"Absentation" is a relatively uncommon word that refers to the act of deliberately staying away or keeping oneself removed from a situation. Some synonyms that convey a similar sense of intentional absence include abstention, seclusion, withdrawal, avoidance, exclusion, and detachment. "Abstention" specifically refers to refraining from participating in a vote or decision-making process. "Seclusion" and "withdrawal" emphasize the idea of physically removing oneself from others or society. "Avoidance" and "exclusion" imply a deliberate effort to steer clear of something or someone. "Detachment" suggests an emotional distance from a situation or relationship. Depending on the context, other related terms might include nonattendance, vacancy, or vacancy rate.