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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.
Ultimately, only Ashley, Tia, and Jassi make their way to the event, with Ashley upholding her traditional duty of carrying Gizelle’s beef in absentia. Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 8 Dec. 2025 Mindich has fled the country, with any criminal proceedings against him likely to be carried out in absentia. Arkansas Online, 29 Nov. 2025 Mindich has fled the country, with any criminal proceedings against him likely to be carried out in absentia. NPR, 28 Nov. 2025 This past September, Tshisekedi retaliated by having Kabila tried in absentia and sentenced to death for war crimes and treason. Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 24 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 10 Dec. 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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