in absentia
adverb
in ab·sen·tia
ˌin-ab-ˈsen(t)-sh(ē-)ə 
: 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
Most people who do not show up for court hearings are ordered removed in absentia.
—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
24 June 2026
Given the national team’s pitiful demise at the Oval, with New Zealand completing victory on the fifth morning, Ben Stokes’ revival in absentia feels like the only consolation from a miserable week.
—
Hector Vickers,
New York Times,
21 June 2026
And in 2024, a Paris court sentenced three high-ranking Syrian officials in absentia to life in prison for complicity in war crimes.
—
ABC News,
15 June 2026
Their work was feted at a celebration in absentia, with readings given through proxies.
—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for in absentia
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.
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
24 June 2026
Given the national team’s pitiful demise at the Oval, with New Zealand completing victory on the fifth morning, Ben Stokes’ revival in absentia feels like the only consolation from a miserable week.
—
Hector Vickers,
New York Times,
21 June 2026
And in 2024, a Paris court sentenced three high-ranking Syrian officials in absentia to life in prison for complicity in war crimes.
—
ABC News,
15 June 2026
Their work was feted at a celebration in absentia, with readings given through proxies.
—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for in absentia
Cite this Entry
“In absentia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20absentia. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
in absentia
adverb
in ab·sen·tia
ˌin-ab-ˈsen-chə
: in absence
sentenced in absentia
Etymology
Latin
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
