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
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
With an absence of DNA evidence, Vronsky credited two Fair Lawn police investigators for their hard-nosed, old-fashioned work on the case — Sgt.
—
Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 10 Jan. 2026
Brazilian forward Igor Jesus has led the line gamely in the absence of Chris Wood through injury.
—Paul Taylor, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026
His absence left yet another hole in the quartet featuring him, Ball, Knueppel and Bridges.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 9 Jan. 2026
Good faith is the absence of bad faith, and others (judges or jurors) will decide your good faith from your actions and statements.
—Kelly G. Richardson, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for absence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for absence
Noun
-
Dead drummer Mickey Hart said at one point legendary concert promoter Bill Graham vented to him about the lack of catchy songs.—
-
The first indicator is oftentimes a lack of water flow from faucets when the weather is extremely cold.—
Noun
-
Get ready for hunting season by browsing over 40 vendors selling a variety of goods for all your fishing and outdoor needs.—
-
The request for additional money was made after underground utility and other site placement needs were identified while designing a new floor plan.—
Cite this Entry
“Absence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absence. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share