extrajudicial

adjective

ex·​tra·​ju·​di·​cial ˌek-strə-jü-ˈdi-shəl How to pronounce extrajudicial (audio)
1
a
: not forming a valid part of regular legal proceedings
an extrajudicial investigation
b
: delivered without legal authority : private sense 2a(1)
the judge's extrajudicial statements
2
: done in contravention of due process of law
an extrajudicial execution
extrajudicially
ˌek-strə-jü-ˈdi-sh(ə-)lē How to pronounce extrajudicial (audio)
adverb

Examples of extrajudicial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Many legal experts have said the strikes amount to extrajudicial killings. — Zac Anderson, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2026 Security forces, including the now-defunct FAES special police unit, carried out operations that human rights groups have linked to extrajudicial killings. — Tibisay Zea, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Aug. 2026 The only way to keep Ji safe is to stop the whole operation with one extrajudicial shot to the head. — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 24 July 2026 The court has also handed down a 20-year prison sentence to a former soldier who denied taking part in extrajudicial killings. — ABC News, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for extrajudicial

Word History

First Known Use

1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of extrajudicial was in 1630

Rhymes for extrajudicial

See All Rhymes for extrajudicial

Browse Nearby Words

extra-illustrate
extrajudicial
extralateral
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Extrajudicial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extrajudicial. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Legal Definition

extrajudicial

adjective
ex·​tra·​ju·​di·​cial ˌek-strə-ju̇-ˈdi-shəl How to pronounce extrajudicial (audio)
1
: not involving, occurring in, or forming part of a legal proceeding
a creditor's extrajudicial repossession of property
an extrajudicial investigation
especially : out-of-court
an extrajudicial identification
2
: stemming from something outside of a court proceeding
a judge disqualified for bias that is extrajudicial and not derived from the evidence presented
3
: occurring or arising outside of the course of judicial duties
a judge's extrajudicial conduct
extrajudicially adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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