absence

noun

ˈab-sən(t)s How to pronounce absence (audio)
Definition of absencenext
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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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 absence They're considered a keystone species, whose presence or absence can reshape a whole ecosystem. — John Ryan, NPR, 16 Aug. 2026 Donalds’s absence from Congress for certain votes concerns his challenger. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 16 Aug. 2026 Inter Miami has conceded 19 goals over the past seven games and looked especially vulnerable on Saturday in the absence of Brazilian center back Micael, who sprained his ankle in the previous game and is out indefinitely. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 16 Aug. 2026 Time spent away from home for education is treated as a temporary absence, so living in a dorm or apartment ordinarily does not prevent a student from meeting the requirement to live with a parent for more than half the year. — Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for absence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for absence
  1. lack
  2. need
Noun
  • Constant said failure to appear charges, often due to the bus being late, a lack of childcare or permission to take the day off from work, are driving Connecticut’s pretrial population.
    — Kaitlin McCallum, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The main reason China has been able to play this role is Washington’s lack of follow-up on sanctions, according to energy analyst Kjell Eikland, director of Eikland Energy AS.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of lack
Noun
  • The Ravens, however, have consistently supported Loop and downplayed the need to bring in another kicker.
    — Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Guests with specific needs can coordinate directly with the front desk, which will handle any request with genuine care.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of need

Browse Nearby Words

abscond (with)
absence
absent
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Absence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absence. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on absence

Nglish: Translation of absence for Spanish Speakers

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