exist

verb

ex·​ist ig-ˈzist How to pronounce exist (audio)
existed; existing; exists
Synonyms of exist

intransitive verb

1
a
: to have real being whether material or spiritual
did unicorns exist
the largest galaxy known to exist
b
: to have being in a specified place or with respect to understood limitations or conditions
Strange ideas existed in his mind.
problems that exist in our own community
2
: to continue to be
Inequality still exists in society.
3
a
: to have life or the functions of vitality
We cannot exist without oxygen.
b
: to live at an inferior level or under adverse circumstances
the hungry existing from day to day

Synonyms of exist

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Examples of exist in a Sentence

She believes that ghosts really do exist. It's the largest galaxy known to exist. Does life exist on Mars? The Internet didn't exist then. We shouldn't ignore the problems that exist in our own community. Racism still exists in our society. The organization may soon cease to exist if more funding isn't provided.
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.
Without Trail Ridge, the Okefenokee would cease to exist in its present magnificence. — Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 25 July 2026 The church leaders called on lawmakers to retain existing tax exemptions for charitable organizations such as maternity homes, domestic violence shelters and food banks if Amendment 5 passes. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026 Over the past several months, officials have been rebuilding much of the tariff regime that existed before the ruling, this time by relying on authorities that trade lawyers generally view as having a firmer legal foundation. — Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 25 July 2026 The league has expanded to 15 teams and will reach 18 by 2030, with expansion fees that have lined the pockets of the existing owners. — Annie Costabile, New York Times, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for exist

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French exister, borrowed from Latin existere, exsistere "to come into view, appear, show oneself, come into being" (Late Latin, "to have real being, be, be present"), from ex- ex- entry 1 + sistere "to cause to stand, assume a standing position, place, check, halt" — more at assist entry 1

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of exist was in 1570

Rhymes for exist

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Browse Nearby Words

exinite
exist
existence
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Cite this Entry

“Exist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exist. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

exist

verb
ex·​ist ig-ˈzist How to pronounce exist (audio)
1
: to have actual being : be real
do unicorns exist?
2
: to continue to be
as long as doubt exists
3
: to continue to live : stay alive
earned barely enough to exist on

More from Merriam-Webster on exist

Nglish: Translation of exist for Spanish Speakers

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