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

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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 Parsons will not play against his old team, and his absence from the Packers’ defense only affects the storylines, not the actual game. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Oct. 2026 The researchers acknowledged limitations such as the absence of eye-movement recordings during scanning and uncertainty. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026 Guard Collin Sexton’s absence because of a lower leg injury showed up in the Lakers’ turnover struggles. — Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026 The Bulls won’t start the season healthy in the frontcourt, and the absences of players such as Claxton and Collins will make Smith’s presence even more important. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for absence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for absence
  1. lack
  2. need
Noun
  • High energy costs, coupled with record exits of foreign investors from its capital markets due to risk aversion and the lack of artificial intelligence play, have kept the rupee under pressure.
    — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
  • What should make all hardcore wheelmen and wheelwomen happy is the lack of a huge center screen.
    — Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of lack
Noun
  • The film explores the contradictions of a Bulgarian town pulled into Europe’s shifting geopolitical order, where arms production for Ukraine’s frontlines collides with enduring ties to Russia, personal convictions, and the everyday need to survive.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The company recently introduced four-finger hands for Atlas, underscoring the need to design robotic hardware around practical requirements.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 15 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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