in absentia
adverb
in ab·sen·tia
ˌin-ab-ˈsen(t)-sh(ē-)ə 
: in absence
gave him the award in absentia
Examples of in absentia in a Sentence
She was convicted of the crime in absentia.
Recent Examples on the Web
The previous week, a mother with a deportation order in absentia was arrested near Enrique Camarena Elementary School in Chula Vista during morning drop-off.
—
Alexandra Mendoza, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2025
Knox was sentenced in absentia to 28 ½ years in prison, while Sollecito was sentenced to 25 years.
—Giana Levy, Variety, 21 Aug. 2025
The arrest occurred days after the start of the school year, and a week after another parent — who an immigration judge had ordered deportation in absentia — was taken into custody by federal immigration agents outside an elementary school in Chula Vista during morning drop-off.
—Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025
Samantha was there in absentia only, living in London, since Kim Cattrall decided not to come back for round two.
—Lyz Lenz, Rolling Stone, 16 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in absentia
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.
Alexandra Mendoza, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2025
Knox was sentenced in absentia to 28 ½ years in prison, while Sollecito was sentenced to 25 years.
—Giana Levy, Variety, 21 Aug. 2025
The arrest occurred days after the start of the school year, and a week after another parent — who an immigration judge had ordered deportation in absentia — was taken into custody by federal immigration agents outside an elementary school in Chula Vista during morning drop-off.
—Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025
Samantha was there in absentia only, living in London, since Kim Cattrall decided not to come back for round two.
—Lyz Lenz, Rolling Stone, 16 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in absentia
Cite this Entry
“In absentia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20absentia. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
in absentia
adverb
in ab·sen·tia
ˌin-ab-ˈsen-chə
: in absence
sentenced in absentia
Etymology
Latin
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share