absent 1 of 2

adjective

ˈab-sənt How to pronounce absent (audio)
Definition of absentnext
1
as in missing
not at a certain place three students were absent because of the flu

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in lacking
not present or in evidence the city's usual stir of activity was conspicuously absent due to the report of an escaped lion from the zoo

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in preoccupied
lost in thought and unaware of one's surroundings or actions seemed absent when I told him you were coming because he nodded but didn't say anything

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

absent

2 of 2

preposition

ˈab-sənt How to pronounce absent (audio)
as in without
not having absent a significant source of investment funds, the fledgling company continues to struggle

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word absent distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of absent are absentminded, abstracted, distracted, and preoccupied. While all these words mean "inattentive to what claims or demands consideration," absent stresses inability to fix the mind on present concerns due more to mental wandering than to concentration on other matters.

an absent stare

When might absentminded be a better fit than absent?

Although the words absentminded and absent have much in common, absentminded implies that the mind is fixed elsewhere and often refers to a habit of abstractedness.

so absentminded, he's been known to wear mismatched shoes

When can abstracted be used instead of absent?

The words abstracted and absent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, abstracted implies absorption of the mind in something other than one's surroundings, and often suggests reflection on weighty matters.

walking about with an abstracted air

When would distracted be a good substitute for absent?

In some situations, the words distracted and absent are roughly equivalent. However, distracted may suggest an inability to concentrate caused by worry, sorrow, or anxiety.

was too distracted by grief to continue working

When is preoccupied a more appropriate choice than absent?

While in some cases nearly identical to absent, preoccupied often implies having one's attention so taken up by thoughts as to neglect others.

too preoccupied with her debts to enjoy the meal

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 absent
Adjective
Gascón was noticeably absent from the SAG Awards and the Critics Choice Awards – both shows of which nominated her in the lead acting category – as well as several Guild awards that a source told CNN she was originally scheduled to attend prior to the controversy. —Elizabeth Wagmeister and Alli Rosenbloom, CNN, 24 Feb. 2025 Just after the Conclave cast departed the stage—with Stanley Tucci absent and Ralph Fiennes leading their acceptance speech for the Best Cast award—the after-party kicked off in a nearby room. —Jamila Stewart, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2025
Preposition
Under no circumstances should Brett Kavanaugh be confirmed absent a full and complete investigation. —Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Fox News, 27 Sep. 2018 See All Example Sentences for absent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for absent
  1. missing
  2. preoccupied
  3. without
  4. out
  5. distracted
Adjective
  • The story follows a pastor and a detective who team up for a missing persons case.
    — Sara Merican, Deadline, 7 Mar. 2025
  • The Fort Worth Police Department is asking for the public’s help to find a missing 76-year-old man, according to a post on the department’s Facebook page.
    — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of missing
Adjective
  • Indeed, students can be generally secure in romantic relationships yet become preoccupied while dating a certain partner.
    — Eric Wood, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Ryan isn’t too keen on Bex asking Shane for details about the prison, and a few others remain preoccupied with covering their tracks and keeping other skeletons tucked away in their respective closets.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 3 Feb. 2025
Definition of preoccupied
Preposition
  • Seven others have won two or more acting Oscars without losing one, but none have done so in the best actor category.
    — Sarah Whitten,Sara Salinas,Russell Leung, CNBC, 2 Mar. 2025
  • The brand’s Augie style has all of the genre’s hallmarks without any unnecessary flourishes.
    — Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 2 Mar. 2025
Definition of without
Adjective
  • During the hearing, Reyes — a Biden appointee and the first out lesbian to serve as district judge for the District of Columbia — excoriated Department of Justice (DOJ) lawyer Jason Lynch, asserting that Trump’s order plainly discriminates against trans people in violation of the law.
    — Samantha Riedel, Them, 19 Feb. 2025
  • Location The hotel is located on the eastern coast of the tiny Harbour Island, which itself is northeast of the larger island of Eleuthera, one of the out islands of the Bahamas archipelago.
    — Devorah Lev-Tov, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2025
Definition of out
Adjective
  • This is particularly important in distracted driving cases—showing data usage doesn't necessarily prove someone was actively using their phone.
    — Lars Daniel, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Franco is simpering when he wasn’t distracted, and while Hathaway brings a bit of spirit, most of her lines are only half-funny.
    — Bill Wyman, Vulture, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of distracted

Phrases Containing absent

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Cite this Entry

“Absent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absent. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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