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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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
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Recent Examples of absence
Before 2019, all the members of the Vatican department had been men, but both religious sisters and some bishops had long complained about the absence of women in decision-making positions in an office with operations that could directly affect their lives.
—
Elisabetta Povoledo, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2025
However, the absence of Deadpool and Wolverine stars and Globes nominees Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman may have dimmed things for the celeb-slobbering Globes.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 5 Jan. 2025
His absence from the NHRA events over the past year, coupled with recent announcements, raises questions about the future of both his career and John Force Racing's direction.
—Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
Despite his absence, traces of Margraff’s influence abound.
—Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for absence 
Elisabetta Povoledo, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2025
However, the absence of Deadpool and Wolverine stars and Globes nominees Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman may have dimmed things for the celeb-slobbering Globes.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 5 Jan. 2025
His absence from the NHRA events over the past year, coupled with recent announcements, raises questions about the future of both his career and John Force Racing's direction.
—Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
Despite his absence, traces of Margraff’s influence abound.
—Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for absence
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Cite this Entry
“Absence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absence. Accessed 11 Jan. 2025.
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