in medias res

adverb

in me·di·as res | \ in-ˈme-dē-əs-ˈrās,

-ˈmē-dē-əs-ˈrēz

Definition of in medias res

: in or into the middle of a narrative or plot

Examples of in medias res in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The resulting transcripts of their conversations, usually beginning in medias res, are masterpieces of comic incoherence and pop up now and again throughout the novel. — Katherine A. Powers, WSJ, "‘Transcription’ Review: Heard During Wartime," 20 Sep. 2018 The effect is to give the audience a little hint of in medias res characterization, before returning to the exposition-heavy Act One. — Josephine Livingstone, The New Republic, "The First Great Film Adaptation of Chekhov’s The Seagull," 24 Apr. 2018 Rather than start in medias res, Kenneth Womack’s biography of Martin goes, to invoke the title of one of Mr. McCartney’s later albums, back to the egg. — Dominic Green, WSJ, "‘Big George’ and the Boys," 6 Oct. 2017 Starting in medias res in the mid-19th century, the book never addresses the question of how, say, the Puritan concept of America as the new Israel might have shaped the American Christian interest in the Ten Commandments. — Ruth Graham, Slate Magazine, "Shalts and Shalt-Nots," 15 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'in medias res.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.