Most of the executives attended the meeting, but the company president was 'conspicuously absent'. [='conspicuous by his absence'; it was very noticeable that the company president was not there]
The soldier was 'absent without leave'. [='AWOL'; absent without having permission to be absent]
He made an 'absent' reply to her question as he continued to watch the TV.
(..) - a majority of the senators present... and that looks like me, - - may direct the sergeant-at-arms to request, and if necessary, compel - - the attendance of the absent senators." Mr. President, I so direct. The absence of a quorum being suggested. Ring the call to quorum. (..)1939 Mr. Smith Goes to Washington