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
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Every moment is enrapturing, every twist heart-seizing in this keenly imagined, ravishing, and profound celebration of life in extremis. Literary Hub, 12 June 2026 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, by contrast, views the exceptional relationship as something to exploit rather than a safety net to be used in extremis. Andrew P. Miller, Foreign Affairs, 5 Dec. 2025 Even in extremis, Szymborska knew, life persists on its own terms and must be honored. Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2025 The two movies do share a portrait of capitalism in extremis, in which the race to hold onto increasingly smaller pieces of a rapidly dissolving pie feeds more surreal transgressions. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 31 Aug. 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 4 Jul. 2026.

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
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