absently
Americanadverb
adverb
Etymology
Origin of absently
Vocabulary lists containing absently
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Life is full of conflagrations,” he remarks, somewhat absently.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 3, 2026
One dancer, during a pause, absently does a tap combination like she’s not even thinking about it, like it’s suddenly become a part of her.
From Seattle Times ● May 1, 2023
It was 80 degrees, but Hadi only removed his beanie briefly, to absently rub a long, silvery scar that stretched across the top of his head.
From Salon ● Dec. 15, 2022
Today I found myself standing at the window, half in a dream, my hand at my neck, fingers searching absently for a cross I’d lost more than a year ago.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 17, 2021
“I guess I did,” he acknowledged absently, and then seemed to take note of where I was.
From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.