existence
noun
ex·is·tence
ig-ˈzi-stən(t)s 
1
a
: the state or fact of having being especially independently of human consciousness and as contrasted with nonexistence
the existence of other worlds
b
: the manner of being that is common to every mode of being
c
: being with respect to a limiting condition or under a particular aspect
2
: actual or present occurrence
existence of a state of war
Examples of existence in a Sentence
She began to doubt the existence of God.
the existence of UFO's is something that people continue to argue about
Recent Examples on the Web
While whaling is no longer a threat to the species, their existence is still threatened by ship strikes, entanglements in fishing gear, underwater noise and the effects of climate change, according to the NOAA.
—
Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 22 June 2026
The human brain is the ultimate existence proof that intelligent systems that are vastly more energy-efficient than today’s AI are physically possible.
—Rob Toews, Forbes.com, 22 June 2026
Of Homer’s existence there is no possible assurance.
—David Denby, New Yorker, 21 June 2026
To my father, wellness was not a goal to be optimized, but rather something that came naturally with a curious, family-oriented, and altruistic existence.
—Ezekiel J. Emanuel, Fortune, 21 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for existence
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.
Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 22 June 2026
The human brain is the ultimate existence proof that intelligent systems that are vastly more energy-efficient than today’s AI are physically possible.
—Rob Toews, Forbes.com, 22 June 2026
Of Homer’s existence there is no possible assurance.
—David Denby, New Yorker, 21 June 2026
To my father, wellness was not a goal to be optimized, but rather something that came naturally with a curious, family-oriented, and altruistic existence.
—Ezekiel J. Emanuel, Fortune, 21 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for existence
Cite this Entry
“Existence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/existence. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
