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 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.
But with the gag order preventing most extrajudicial discussion of the case expected to end soon, authorities could finally address posts from the account — or the public could find out through unsealed search warrant returns, discovery disclosures, or digital forensics from Kohberger's devices. Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 16 July 2025 Latah County Prosecutor William Thompson and Taylor, who are prohibited from making extrajudicial statements about the case under a non-dissemination order filed just days after Kohberger's arrest, did not respond to requests for comment. Chris Spargo, People.com, 8 May 2025 These extrajudicial renditions are proof that immigrants are being unfairly scapegoated and targeted to carry out an unjust political agenda. Dan Gooding hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025 The report warns that the number of mob lynchings is growing, as are the instances of extrajudicial killings by the Haitian national police. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 30 June 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Extrajudicial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extrajudicial. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!