absence

noun

ˈab-sən(t)s How to pronounce absence (audio)
Definition of absencenext
1
as in lack
a state of being without something necessary, desirable, or useful the absence of volunteers to be troop leaders is putting the scouting program in real jeopardy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in shortage
the fact or state of being absent in the absence of ferry service to the island, the ecotourists had to charter a plane

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of absence Below, in a conversation with THR, Madison and White also discuss their near-total absence from social media and how The Social Reckoning only reinforced their decisions to stay away. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026 That scene was always the silliest in the American version, and its absence in the international edition was a wise choice. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026 The absence of African languages from large language models has become a major concern for the continent’s policymakers and tech leaders. — Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2026 Rather than eliding them, Carson ends up bringing attention to these absences – an utterly distinctive choice. — Amy Cannon, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for absence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for absence
  1. lack
  2. need
Noun
  • Nearly all its arrangements hew to a standard radio-pop format, and in the record’s back half this lack of imagination becomes tiresome.
    — Enzo Escober, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Wednesday’s filing marks the latest escalation in the legal fight over conditions at the facility and the government’s lack of compliance with the court’s directives.
    — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of lack
Noun
  • The technology could also reduce the need to closely match battery cells during manufacturing, since the pack would be better able to accommodate differences in cell performance.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Mercury in your 7th House quincunxes Saturn in your private 12th, making relationships, conversations, and unspoken needs harder to read at first.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of need

Browse Nearby Words

abscond (with)
absence
absent
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Absence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absence. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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