General Absence:
* Missing
* Gone
* Not present
* Away
* Unaccounted for
Lacking Something:
* Devoid
* Wanting
* Deficient
* Scarce
* Absentminded (for mental focus)
Not Paying Attention:
* Distracted
* Inattentive
* Unmindful
* Thoughtless
* Preoccupied
For a Person:
* Unavailable
* Unreachable
* Out of touch
For a Feeling:
* Indifferent
* Apathetic
* Uninterested
* Detached
* Aloof
For a Quality:
* Lacking
* Without
* Empty
* Void
* Bare
The best synonym for "absent" will depend on the specific situation and the meaning you want to convey.