1. The problem asks to find the absolute value of $-23$. 2. The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero on the number line, regardless of direction. 3. The formula for absolute value is $|x| = x$ if $x \geq 0$, and $|x| = -x$ if $x < 0$. 4. Since $-23 < 0$, we use $|x| = -x$. 5. Calculate $|-23| = -(-23) = 23$. 6. Therefore, the absolute value of $-23$ is $23$.