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 In many cases, the absence of documentation leaves Casey’s personal involvement in key decisions unclear. — Marc Levinson, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026 For people who expect visible enthusiasm, quick verbal responses, eye contact or other signs of engagement, the absence of those cues might lead them to suspect something is wrong — but that’s not always the case. — CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 Results below reporting limits do not necessarily indicate the absence of PFAS. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026 Good news has arrived for Dallas though, as linebacker DeMarvion Overshown (hamstring) is set to return from a five-game absence. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for absence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for absence
  1. lack
  2. need
Noun
  • The demonstrations first erupted last month in a high school in Creteil, southeast of Paris, over a lack of staff.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Management is guiding to flat EBITDA margins for the year, as lower-margin acquisitions and a fading FX tailwind offset productivity gains, so don't be worried about a lack of profitability growth in coming quarters.
    — Josh Brown,Sean Russo, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of lack
Noun
  • Start with the community With a pragmatic and fair approach, data center infrastructure can operate from a combination of baseload fuels, battery storage, and renewables, while prioritizing community needs and impacts.
    — Neil Chatterjee, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Rather than as a one-time session, our survivorship clinic builds relationships with survivors, supporting them as their needs change over time.
    — Marci Lee Nilsen, The Conversation, 22 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 28 Oct. 2026.

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