ABSENT Synonyms: 119 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

absent 1 of 2

adjective

ˈab-sənt

Definition of absent next

as in missing

not at a certain place three students were absent because of the flu

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

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

Sellers missed the first half of the season and returned for three games but hasn’t seen any action since Jan. 5. Guard Mikey Williams and forward JJ Taylor were also absent, which was reported as the flu bug. —

Matt Murschel, Orlando Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2025 Binance, absent during last year’s rankings due to its legal issues, continues to be a dominant firm globally. —

Javier Paz, Forbes, 28 Jan. 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

Adjective

On Thursday, a small airplane carrying 10 people in Alaska went missing and was found crashed amid sea ice on Friday with all presumed dead.

— Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 10 Feb. 2025
The Athena Alert is intended to bridge the gap between the time a child goes missing and the time a statewide Amber Alert is issued.

— Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Feb. 2025