Synonyms of extraditionnext
: the surrender of an alleged criminal usually under the provisions of a treaty or statute by one authority (such as a state) to another having jurisdiction to try the charge

Examples of extradition in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
John Smallbone Larimer County After authorities located Smallbone in Larimer County, he was arrested on the Wyoming warrant while awaiting extradition. Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 30 July 2026 The court is expected to work out a schedule for the extradition process at Monday’s hearing, including deadlines for court filings and a date for a formal extradition hearing. Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 The United Kingdom must submit the extradition petition to the Department of State and Department of Justice by September. Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 27 July 2026 They are being held without bond pending extradition to Florida. Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for extradition

Word History

Etymology

French, from ex- + Latin tradition-, traditio act of handing over — more at treason

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of extradition was in 1810

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Extradition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extradition. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

extradition

noun
: the delivery of an accused criminal from one place (as a U.S. state) to another where the trial will be held

Legal Definition

extradition

noun
: the surrender of an accused usually under the provisions of a treaty or statute by one sovereign (as a state or nation) to another that has jurisdiction to try the accused and that has demanded his or her return see also asylum state compare detainer, rendition

Note: Article IV of the U.S. Constitution states: “A person charged in any State with treason, felony, or other crime, who shall flee from justice, and be found in another State, shall on demand of the executive authority of the State from which he fled, be delivered up, to be removed to the State having jurisdiction of the crime.”

Etymology

French, from Latin ex- out + traditio act of handing over, from tradere to hand over

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