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
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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
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Dead drummer Mickey Hart said at one point legendary concert promoter Bill Graham vented to him about the lack of catchy songs.—
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The first indicator is oftentimes a lack of water flow from faucets when the weather is extremely cold.—
Noun
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Wakeland will provide a case manager and activities coordinator, with services tailored to individual needs on a voluntary basis.—
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Depending on your space, heating needs, and comfort levels, a space heater can be an efficient heat source.—
Cite this Entry
“Absence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absence. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
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