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.
Their work was feted at a celebration in absentia, with readings given through proxies. Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026 And then, in absentia, there’s Santiago Calatrava, the architect whose example Penn Station tries to exorcise from the story of New York transportation design. Justin Davidson, Curbed, 8 June 2026 Tehran’s Revolutionary Court has upheld a one-year prison sentence against Palme d’Or-winning filmmaker Jafar Panahi who in December had been sentenced in absentia on charges of engaging in propaganda activities against the Iranian state. Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 7 June 2026 Season 2 also doesn’t reset, instead charging forward with implausible quarterly vacations and Nick as a main character in absentia, which leaves a sizable Steve Carell-sized hole with only an unspeaking infant to fill the void. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 28 May 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“In absentia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20absentia. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.

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

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