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 the absence of geological evidence, though, Johnson thinks reliance on modeling is justified. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 5 July 2026 Byron Buxton was back in the lineup on Saturday in New York following a four-game absence due to a hip impingement, and quickly announced his return. — Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 4 July 2026 Asked about the impact of successor Mojtaba Khamenei’s absence, Kamrava questioned the official explanation of security concerns, especially given the public appearance of other senior figures, and pointed to previous reports of his injury. — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 5 July 2026 The report argues that the museum has deemphasized America’s founding, noting the absence of major exhibits devoted to the Founding Fathers or key events of the American Revolution as the country marks its 250th anniversary. — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for absence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for absence
  1. lack
  2. need
Noun
  • Keli Gonzalez, a painter the museum commissioned, became frustrated by the lack of female representation.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • The lack of a World Cup title is the one gap on his historic résumé.
    — Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026
Definition of lack
Noun
  • All of this spells the need for clear rules and for lawmakers and law enforcement to catch up with this rapidly changing transportation.
    — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
  • But when Erik Spoelstra is strategizing, the needs of Nikola Jovic, for better or worse, are not going to be at the top of the organizational process.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 5 July 2026
Definition of need

Browse Nearby Words

abscond (with)
absence
absent
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Cite this Entry

“Absence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absence. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on absence

Nglish: Translation of absence for Spanish Speakers

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