in absentia

adverb

in ab·​sen·​tia ˌin-ab-ˈsen(t)-sh(ē-)ə How to pronounce in absentia (audio)
: in absence
gave them the award in absentia

Examples of in absentia in a Sentence

She was convicted of the crime in absentia.
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.
Dolly Parton received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in absentia. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 17 Nov. 2025 Hasina, who is living in exile in India, was tried in absentia. Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Nov. 2025 Hasina and Khan, who have been in exile in India, were tried in absentia. CBS News, 17 Nov. 2025 Production designer Wynn Thomas and actress/producer/choreographer Debbie Allen also received honorary Oscars, while actress/singer/songwriter Dolly Parton collected — in absentia — the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in recognition of her philanthropic work. Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 16 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for in absentia

Word History

Etymology

Latin

First Known Use

1698, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of in absentia was in 1698

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“In absentia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20absentia. Accessed 20 Nov. 2025.

Legal Definition

in absentia

adverb
in ab·​sen·​tia ˌin-ab-ˈsen-chə How to pronounce in absentia (audio)
: in absence
sentenced in absentia
Etymology

Latin

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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