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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of lack
Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 10 Jan. 2026
Cheeseheads have to appreciate a sixth playoff berth in seven years, but there’s a clear lack of momentum around this current group.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026
Cristina Palacios, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2026
Tennis is largely wedded to hugely lucrative, lengthy and longstanding media rights deals that bring in millions of dollars but can lack the flexibility required for a sport to thrive amid the slow decline of traditional television rights.
—Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lack
Noun
Athena is a classic drag queen, but her lack of innovation is immediately hurting her.
—Verb
Food scientists still lack a solid definition of ultraprocessed foods.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for lack
Noun
-
Because the defense is, frankly, not playoff caliber — especially in the injury absence of All-Pro defenders Fred Warner and Nick Bosa.—
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With a roster that skews young and continues to churn due to injuries and absences, his presence has mattered beyond any single stat line.—
Noun
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Wagner said the shortages of equipment and staff will have a lasting impact on rebuilding in his community.—
-
Sale speculation has surrounded Puma since last September, and there’s been no shortage on who could be buyers for the German sportswear brand.—
Noun
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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.—
Noun
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At least in the interim, Duke deserves credit for finding ways to win despite some of its defensive deficiencies.—
-
To combat this, our program overcorrected for the deficiencies of remote work, investing in in-person experiences and human connection.—
Verb
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As a kid in Rochester, New York, Kane begged his parents for a dollar to play.—
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While eating at the restaurant with her parents, Black begged for her own tasty drink and the bartender whipped one up, naming it after her.—
Verb
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Join our live chats or ask a question in advance.—
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Police added that Lattimore was arrested for not telling the officer there was a gun inside the vehicle when asked.—
Verb
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Schnapp also spoke to PEOPLE about the series ending, insisting that all loose ends had been tied — even his character’s longstanding crush on his best friend Mike (Wolfhard).—
-
Trump highlighted the fight over health coverage, reiterating his opposition to extending those subsidies and insisting to his party’s lawmakers that his stance would be embraced by voters.—
Verb
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Painting narrow lines on grout is an exacting process.—
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The products are laser-measured to meet exacting standards.—
Cite this Entry
“Lack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lack. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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