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

“Warning Signs” promises to be even more of a nail-biter than Sierra’s debut, a deepening of her examination of families in extremis, which should earn it a top spot in readers’ TBR list.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2026

"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

Realize that something was deeply wrong, that no patient should be in extremis like this?

From Slate • Aug. 7, 2023

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

in extremis

Example Sentences

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