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Definitions

in extremis

[in eks-tre-mees, in ik-stree-mis] / ɪn ɛksˈtrɛ mis, ɪn ɪkˈstri mɪs /
ADJECTIVE
dying
Synonyms
STRONGEST
decaying doomed fading moribund
STRONG
declining disintegrating ebbing fated final going mortal passing perishing sinking vanishing withering
WEAK
at death's door at end of rope done for giving up the ghost on last leg one foot in grave
Antonyms
STRONG
permanent
WEAK
creating developing growing living reviving

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Bond holdings are concentrated in domestic pension funds and life insurers, and in extremis the BoJ could resume buying itself.

From Barron's • Feb. 10, 2026

Shannon, in extremis, suffers for sins he would rather not be accountable for.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 24, 2025

“I wanted to be put in a situation in extremis where I would have no choice but to grow. And I got it.”

From New York Times • May 12, 2024

"Obviously if someone is in extremis, is unwell, we need to treat them. We have a duty to do that," he said.

From BBC • Jan. 15, 2024

Unfortunately, when he found himself in extremis at the board and called on his chess muse to save him, there was no answer.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady