absent 1 of 2

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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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
This time, with loyalists appointed to key positions, those checks seem to be absent. Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025 Presence Sometimes what’s absent from a film defines it as much as what’s present. Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 4 June 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
  • The girls, who ranged in age from 12 to 16, all went missing in the mid-1990s from Spotsylvania County, Va.
    Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 24 June 2025
  • Arizona authorities made a dramatic rescue after a woman who went on a hike with her father went missing for three days.
    Audrey Conklin, FOXNews.com, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • While universities remain preoccupied with defending traditional curricula and evaluation methods, not to mention banning students (and staff) from using genAI, the job market is rapidly evolving.
    Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
  • The United States had withdrawn from the World Health Organization and the U.N. Human Rights Council; the State Department seemed more preoccupied with deportations than with diplomacy.
    E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 22 Apr. 2025
Preposition
  • The Supercharger network has grown since then, though not without a period of chaos for the automaker and the entire car industry that bet on it.
    Patrick George, The Atlantic, 18 June 2025
  • The 1908 New York Highlanders hold the record for the longest stretch without scoring at 37 innings.
    Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • But the South Dakota hospital refused to submit the bill to his out-of-state Medicaid plan, instead sending it to Wirt and eventually threatening to send the debt to a collection agency.
    Arielle Zionts, Miami Herald, 30 May 2025
  • After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealer fees, the out the door and in your garage total purchase price came to: $145,890.
    Tony Leopardo, Mercury News, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • Some people have suggested that red-light cameras would be helpful, but Linke said that a key way to reduce the number of distracted drivers is furthering education.
    Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 June 2025
  • In 2023, Elon Musk seemed too distracted by his latest venture to run the world’s most valuable car company.
    Patrick George, The Atlantic, 18 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Absent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absent. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

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