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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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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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of absence
In Green’s absence, Gui Santos started the second half, but the stint was brief.
—
Anthony Slater, The Athletic, 18 Jan. 2025
There were photographs of Mack throughout the apartment, but the difficult subjects surrounding the mother’s absence did not come up.
—Michael Gordon, Charlotte Observer, 17 Jan. 2025
Last year the Dolphins didn’t acquire or develop a backup capable of leading the team to victories in Tagovailoa’s absence, and that’s one of the main reasons Miami’s 2024 season got derailed.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 17 Jan. 2025
When Trevon Diggs was lost for the season with a knee injury earlier in the year, Bland was one of the players who was forced to step up in the All-Pro’s absence.
—Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for absence 
Anthony Slater, The Athletic, 18 Jan. 2025
There were photographs of Mack throughout the apartment, but the difficult subjects surrounding the mother’s absence did not come up.
—Michael Gordon, Charlotte Observer, 17 Jan. 2025
Last year the Dolphins didn’t acquire or develop a backup capable of leading the team to victories in Tagovailoa’s absence, and that’s one of the main reasons Miami’s 2024 season got derailed.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 17 Jan. 2025
When Trevon Diggs was lost for the season with a knee injury earlier in the year, Bland was one of the players who was forced to step up in the All-Pro’s absence.
—Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for absence
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Cite this Entry
“Absence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absence. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
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