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
Today, that leadership is largely absent, leaving teachers, political leaders and even parents without clear direction. —Anne Tapp Jaksa, Baltimore Sun, 14 Apr. 2025 Finding her absent, DePape went after Paul Pelosi instead, leaving him with a skull fracture and serious hand injury. —Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 14 Apr. 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 Illini basketball team’s missing disclosures reflect an indifference to documenting NIL deals across the athletic department, the news organizations found.
    — Stacy St. Clair, ProPublica, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Spies was thought to have gone missing after failing to return home following a weekend trip with her partner in Dalby in Queensland’s remote Western Downs, per news.com.au.
    — Becca Longmire, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of missing
Adjective
  • Remember that kids may be too preoccupied at times to sit down and eat.
    — ​Wendy Wisner, Parents, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Volkov’s version has a more serious tone and is more preoccupied with the right morals and behavior.
    — Christin Bohnke, JSTOR Daily, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of preoccupied
Preposition
  • At every turn, Pugh manages to come across as both normal and empowered without ever crossing into faux-relatability or meaningless girlbossisms.
    — Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 19 Apr. 2025
  • This moss green silhouette in a pebbled leather will add visual interest to your outfit without being over the top.
    — Isis Briones, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of without
Adjective
  • After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealer fees, the out the door and in your garage total purchase price came to: $396,900.
    — Tony Leopardo, Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2025
  • After lobbying for more LGBTQ+ representation on the reality competition show in his capacity as a producer, this season’s set of winners included two out contestants.
    — James Factora, Them., 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of out
Adjective
  • The distracted driver hit two cars, both heading west, after reportedly going left of center, OSHP's Chardon Post Trooper William Head confirmed, per the outlet.
    — Becca Longmire, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Maria Espinosa was walking her son Misael Rico, then 6 years old, to school in January 2011 when a distracted driver jumped a curb and pinned the boy beneath the vehicle, the family said.
    — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of distracted

Phrases Containing absent

Browse Nearby Words

absence
absent
absented oneself
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Cite this Entry

“Absent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absent. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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