in medias res

adverb

: in or into the middle of a narrative or plot

Examples of in medias res 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.
Souza lacks the art of in medias res and conveys his story as if merely illustrating a synopsis. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 20 May 2025 Episodes begin precisely where the previous one left off, in medias res. Jeremy D. Larson, Pitchfork, 11 Apr. 2025 What’s immediately striking is how quickly and economically its characters are established in medias res, through seemingly banal conversation and hints of individual personality just divergent enough to cause friction. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 9 Mar. 2025 One tempting approach to this challenge is to begin in medias res, by a campfire at some picturesque or desolate location, and introduce us to the Researcher. Jonathan Franzen, The New Yorker, 12 Aug. 2023 See All Example Sentences for in medias res

Word History

Etymology

Latin, literally, into the midst of things

First Known Use

1786, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of in medias res was in 1786

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Cite this Entry

“In medias res.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20medias%20res. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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