operty mogul staged his own rally nearby amid a feud with the debate host Fox News.
But his absence was seized on by his opponents.
Texas Senator Ted Cruz, who is locked in a tight contest with Mr Trump in Iowa, opened the debate with a sarcastic impression of outspoken businessman's frequent insults of his opponents.
"I'm a maniac and everyone on this stage is stupid, fat and ugly," Mr C
Then he thanked his fellow candidates for showing Iowa voters "respect" by turning up.
Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, a frequent target of Mr Trump's sharp tongue, also resorted to sarcasm.
"I kind of miss Donald Trump, he was a teddy bear to me," he said.
Thursday's debate comes four days before the Iowa caucuses kick-start the 2016 nominating contest.
Residents will choose among the Republican and Democratic candidates in the first of a series of state-by-state contests to choose delegates to each party's convention.
It was unclear whether by staying away Mr Trump would hurt his standing with Iowa voters.
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