in absentia

adverb

in ab·​sen·​tia ˌin-ab-ˈsen(t)-sh(ē-)ə How to pronounce in absentia (audio)
: 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
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.
That network was spearheaded by Ilan Shor, an oligarch living in exile after he was convicted in absentia for his role in stealing $1 billion from Moldovan banks in 2014. Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2025 In 2023, member Nadya Tolokonnikova was arrested in absentia and added to Russia’s International Wanted list, while Petya Verzilov (also known as Pyotr) was sentenced in absentia to eight years and four months in April 2024 and added to the list of terrorists in December 2024. Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 15 Sep. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for in absentia

Word History

Etymology

Latin

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of in absentia was in 1886

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“In absentia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20absentia. Accessed 4 Oct. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!