existence

noun

ex·​is·​tence ig-ˈzi-stən(t)s How to pronounce existence (audio)
Synonyms of existencenext
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
3
a(1)
: the totality of existent things
(2)
: a particular being
… all the fair existences of heaven …—John Keats
b
: sentient or living being : life
c
: reality as presented in experience
d
obsolete : reality as opposed to appearance

Synonyms of existence

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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
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.
The double anniversary edition of the fest in the Czech spa town, which also celebrated its 80th year in existence, wrapped on Saturday with more star power. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 11 July 2026 The lawsuit also named io Products, the company founded by Jony Ive, Apple’s design chief until 2019 who helped usher the iPhone into existence. — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 10 July 2026 The ship was retrofitted a couple more times over its existence. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2026 On Wednesday, the FBI’s Miami field office declined to comment about the probe or its existence. — Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for existence

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Middle French existence, existance, borrowed from Late Latin existentia, exsistentia, noun derivative of existent-, existens/exsistent-, exsistens "having being, existent"

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3d

Time Traveler
The first known use of existence was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing existence

Rhymes for existence

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Cite this Entry

“Existence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/existence. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

existence

noun
ex·​ist·​ence
ig-ˈzis-tən(t)s
1
: the fact or the state of having being or of being real
the largest animal in existence
2
: the state of being alive : life
owed my existence to a doctor's skill

More from Merriam-Webster on existence

Nglish: Translation of existence for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about existence

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