absent 1 of 2

1
as in missing
not at a certain place three students were absent because of the flu

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3

absent

2 of 2

preposition

as in without
not having absent a significant source of investment funds, the fledgling company continues to struggle

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word absent distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of absent are absentminded, abstracted, distracted, and preoccupied. While all these words mean "inattentive to what claims or demands consideration," absent stresses inability to fix the mind on present concerns due more to mental wandering than to concentration on other matters.

an absent stare

When might absentminded be a better fit than absent?

Although the words absentminded and absent have much in common, absentminded implies that the mind is fixed elsewhere and often refers to a habit of abstractedness.

so absentminded, he's been known to wear mismatched shoes

When can abstracted be used instead of absent?

The words abstracted and absent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, abstracted implies absorption of the mind in something other than one's surroundings, and often suggests reflection on weighty matters.

walking about with an abstracted air

When would distracted be a good substitute for absent?

In some situations, the words distracted and absent are roughly equivalent. However, distracted may suggest an inability to concentrate caused by worry, sorrow, or anxiety.

was too distracted by grief to continue working

When is preoccupied a more appropriate choice than absent?

While in some cases nearly identical to absent, preoccupied often implies having one's attention so taken up by thoughts as to neglect others.

too preoccupied with her debts to enjoy the meal

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 absent
Adjective
And when the Canucks took the ice for the warmup skate, Garland was absent. Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 19 Mar. 2025 This latest conflict follows an ongoing feud with his daughter, Anisa, who has accused him of being absent from her life. Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 17 Mar. 2025
Preposition
Under no circumstances should Brett Kavanaugh be confirmed absent a full and complete investigation. Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Fox News, 27 Sep. 2018 See All Example Sentences for absent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for absent
Adjective
  • Aurora Police Public Information Officer Joe Moylan said the department did not receive a report about the escaped detainees until approximately 2:30 a.m., two hours after the men were confirmed missing and five hours after the facility's power went out.
    Christina Shaw, Fox News, 20 Mar. 2025
  • What’s missing is advocacy – enthusiastic customers who believe their bank is working hard for their financial security and aren’t shy to tell others about it.
    Michael Abbott, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • After the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Washington became preoccupied with what Vindman calls an improbable worst-case scenario — that Moscow would make good on threats to go nuclear — and sent Ukraine insufficient arms.
    Neil MacFarquhar, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025
  • The rebels may be seeking to capitalize on a weakened government whose key allies are heavily preoccupied with other conflicts.
    Lauren Kent, CNN, 30 Nov. 2024
Preposition
  • Boston's starting pitching rotation will be without Lucas Giolito, Brayan Bello, and Kutter Crawford to begin the season as each pitcher is fighting an injury.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Sophomore Austin Gerken had three RBIs without getting a hit.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealer fees, the out the door and in your driveway total purchase price came to: $96,334.
    Tony Leopardo, The Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Once a favorite to win the lead actress statue, the first out transgender person to be nominated for the honor became the metaphorical elephant in the room at Sunday’s ceremony.
    Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Who remembers the 2005 headline-making story of how Banksy snuck a painting into the Metropolitan Museum of Art disguised with a fake beard and trench coat, while two accomplices argued with a distracted security guard?
    The Editors of ARTnews, ARTnews.com, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Ivy seemed slightly distracted by Gable’s sudden appearance, which allowed Dakota Kai to open with a flurry of offense.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Absent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absent. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on absent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!