in extremis

adverb

in ex·​tre·​mis ˌin-ik-ˈstrē-məs How to pronounce in extremis (audio) -ˈstrā- How to pronounce in extremis (audio)
: in extreme circumstances
especially : at the point of death

Examples of in extremis in a Sentence

They are helping a family in extremis.
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.
To focus one’s attention on the bare minimum that the laws of war require in extremis is a way to avoid the vexed moral and political problems of the past wars, which America is very much still fighting. Colin Jones, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2025 Gough’s performance is a savage self-immolation of a woman who only knows how to feign joy — and then only ever in extremis — but equally crucial to the moment is the clothing that costume designer Michael Wilkinson arms her with. Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 23 Apr. 2025 Maybe there's some in extremis situation, when you're—you're on Samoa or something, and there aren't any official channels. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025 That straight-sets defeat drove Alcaraz to tears such was the frustration at not being able to work out the equation that the 24-time Grand Slam champion brings on the other side of that net in extremis. Tim Ellis, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for in extremis

Word History

Etymology

Latin

First Known Use

circa 1530, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of in extremis was circa 1530

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Cite this Entry

“In extremis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20extremis. Accessed 13 May. 2025.

Medical Definition

in extremis

adverb
in ex·​tre·​mis ˌin-ik-ˈstrē-məs How to pronounce in extremis (audio) -ˈstrā- How to pronounce in extremis (audio)
: at the point of death
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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