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
Relevance
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
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Recent Examples of absence
In the absence of elite offensive creation, the Fever have to outwork opponents, a trait that will benefit them when Clark comes back.
—
Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Only in 2011 did a wild wolf, OR-7, cross from Oregon into California, ending 87 years of absence.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
In the absence of friction, contemporary bio-pics are just a series of boring victory laps.
—Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
Elkington says your team can feel the absence of feedback.
—Julia Korn, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for absence
Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Only in 2011 did a wild wolf, OR-7, cross from Oregon into California, ending 87 years of absence.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
In the absence of friction, contemporary bio-pics are just a series of boring victory laps.
—Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
Elkington says your team can feel the absence of feedback.
—Julia Korn, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for absence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for absence
Noun
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After two days exploring Barcelona, Spain, Napton was surprised at the lack of political discourse.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
26 May 2025
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Morehouse graduates applaud the honor Part of the tragedy of Hubert’s lynching was a lack of awareness surrounding his story among Morehouse graduates until only recently, several alumni said.—
Dalia Faheid,
CNN Money,
25 May 2025
Noun
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Some said the murders highlighted the need for more nuanced discussions about antisemitism in the United States and the ongoing Israeli Palestinian conflict.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
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Vietnamese manufacturers attending the event told Sourcing Journal about their fears that global brands would pressure them to shoulder the costs of tariff impacts, while underlining the need to protect workers as the apparel industry in Vietnam employs more than three million people.—
Mayu Saini,
Sourcing Journal,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Absence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absence. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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