1
as in absence
the fact or state of being absent
the lack of news about the fate of the soldiers was frustrating
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in shortage
a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number
the lack of eligible candidates for the jury kept the trial from getting started
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in need
a state of being without something necessary, desirable, or useful
the lack of fresh water at the campsite definitely would be a problem
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lack
Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
Skulls are where the most characteristic features of modern birds, such as a lack of teeth and an enlarged premaxillary bone in the upper beak, can be identified.
—Katie Hunt, CNN, 5 Feb. 2025
Landon Mion, Fox News, 17 Feb. 2025
Hundreds of counties still lack any M.A.T. providers at all, according to a recent report from the inspector general’s office at the Department of Health and Human Services.
—Moises Velasquez-Manoff Robert Petkoff Emma Kehlbeck Zak Mouton, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for lack 
Noun
The commission cited arbitrary arrests, lack of evidence against detainees, mass hearings and limited access to defense lawyers as key concerns.
—Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
Skulls are where the most characteristic features of modern birds, such as a lack of teeth and an enlarged premaxillary bone in the upper beak, can be identified.
—Katie Hunt, CNN, 5 Feb. 2025
Verb
Unlike physician visits, pharmacists are not covered by insurance plans and lack a billing mechanism for prescriptions.
—Landon Mion, Fox News, 17 Feb. 2025
Hundreds of counties still lack any M.A.T. providers at all, according to a recent report from the inspector general’s office at the Department of Health and Human Services.
—Moises Velasquez-Manoff Robert Petkoff Emma Kehlbeck Zak Mouton, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for lack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lack
Noun
-
Similarly, in the absence of federal guidance, more states have been looking at an APR cap of 36% in recent years.—
Lucinda Shen,
Axios,
11 Feb. 2025
-
During the war, NGOs served as the de facto public-sector leaders in the absence of the state.—
Jesse Marks,
Foreign Affairs,
11 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Local leaders hope the recruitment campaign will help attract candidates amid a nationwide shortage of doctors.—
Daniel Chang,
CBS News,
11 Feb. 2025
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But if the tariffs cause local shortages, prices could spike by more than 30 cents per gallon.—
Spencer Kimball,
CNBC,
11 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Citing the Kremlin, Popov relished how reports of the conversation between the leaders about the need for the war in Ukraine started by Putin to stop did not include what role Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky would play.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
15 Feb. 2025
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In most cases, the use of corticosteroids can help eliminate the need for systemic treatment.—
Caroline C. Boyle,
USA TODAY,
15 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Anemia: Blood disorders or vitamin C deficiency (scurvy) can cause chronic anemia (low red blood cells), reducing the blood's oxygen-carrying ability.—
Brandi Jones, MSN-Ed,
Health,
7 Feb. 2025
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Unless Van Nistelrooy adopts a more pragmatic approach, even switching to a back five to hide the individual deficiencies these players possess defensively, Leicester may have a long wait to visit Everton’s new home.—
Rob Tanner,
The Athletic,
3 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The shooting led to outrage in the East Colfax community with friends and residents begging the Denver Police Department and city officials to do something about crime in the neighborhood.—
Noelle Phillips,
The Denver Post,
6 Feb. 2025
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For nearly a decade, District 79 officials waged a public relations battle, begging at the ballot box for taxpayers to approve a bond-issue referendum.—
Jesse Wright,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Feb. 2025
Verb
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After arriving in Islamabad in March 2023, Khalid, who also asked to be identified by first name only, completed the security clearance, medical tests, and interviews over the next year.—
Munir Ahmed,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Feb. 2025
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After arriving in Islamabad in March 2023, Khalid, who also asked to be identified by first name only, completed the security clearance, medical tests and interviews over the next year.—
Llazar Semini,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2025
Verb
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After the canopy at Novi Sad railway station collapsed in November, Mr. Vucic initially insisted that the structure had not been part of the renovation work.—
Andrew Higgins,
New York Times,
8 Feb. 2025
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Stynes has long insisted that the optimal snow conditions must be chased.—
Jen Murphy,
Robb Report,
8 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Notably, in 2017, then-Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) successfully used the thin margins in the Senate to exact concessions and force lawmakers to include a bigger child tax credit.—
Zach Halaschak,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
8 Feb. 2025
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But only months after being sworn in, the spoils system exacted its most horrifying toll.—
Mo Rocca,
CBS News,
26 Jan. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Lack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lack. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.
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