1
as in existence
the fact of being or of being real
believes in the subsistence of a soul as a separate entity from the body
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in continuation
uninterrupted or lasting existence
the subsistence of the patient's infection, even after the use of antibiotics, had the doctors puzzled
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of subsistence
The play begins with a forbidding thumping on a glass window outside a bare bones upstairs apartment where B lives a subsistence-level life with his mother.
—
Christopher Smith,
Oc Register,
13 May 2026
The same practice that sustains a cosmological language sustains a subsistence economy.
—
María Carri,
Artforum,
16 Apr. 2026
Chaiwalas, or street tea venders, have long been taken as emblems of the small-scale entrepreneurialism by which uneducated Indians can gain subsistence, and, in theory, something more.
—
Nathan Heller,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
However, all over the world and over the course of perhaps 20 generations, most people lived in rural settings, mostly working in subsistence agriculture, and trade was always and everywhere of small scale, as were monetization and market relations.
—
Literary Hub,
25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for subsistence
Christopher Smith,
Oc Register,
13 May 2026
The same practice that sustains a cosmological language sustains a subsistence economy.
—
María Carri,
Artforum,
16 Apr. 2026
Chaiwalas, or street tea venders, have long been taken as emblems of the small-scale entrepreneurialism by which uneducated Indians can gain subsistence, and, in theory, something more.
—
Nathan Heller,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
However, all over the world and over the course of perhaps 20 generations, most people lived in rural settings, mostly working in subsistence agriculture, and trade was always and everywhere of small scale, as were monetization and market relations.
—
Literary Hub,
25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for subsistence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subsistence
Noun
-
In the age of Neapolitan worship, some Melburnians disdain its existence for the cheap ingredients that defined early Australian versions.
-
Lead vocalist Jacob Bannon came across the phenomenon when researching his own tinnitus and reimagined it as a culmination of all the pain and suffering in human existence.
Noun
-
Gervais told the audience in an Q&A following the screening that the show was a continuation of his process and work across The Office, Extras and After Life, transposing his observations of life into drama, and also tapped into his love of animals.
-
Admissions officers conduct a holistic review, expecting a student's major choice to be a cohesive continuation of their academic and extracurricular story, supported by their transcript and essays.
Noun
-
But beyond these consecrated walls, continuity may depend as much on action as faith.
-
Cao is strategically building his team, repositioning competent legacy appointees to ensure continuity while fostering a loyal leadership cadre.
Noun
-
The project had received a continuance from an initial public hearing April 20, at which City Council member Natalie Jangula and others raised concerns about a lack of open space.
-
The trial began in March, and has been punctuated by long continuances.
Noun
-
In a business built on people, persistence, and long-term thinking, investors who adopt an entrepreneurial mindset can position themselves to uncover opportunities, create value, and build lasting success even in the most competitive markets.
-
Mighty Mary is a rousing story of courage, teamwork and persistence, revealing how one bold act can ripple outward to shift culture, expand possibility and open doors for generations to come.
Noun
-
Humans have a strong instinct for survival, and living longer gives us more time to enjoy life and stay connected with family and friends.
-
Former Iranian youth wrestling champion Sardar Pashaei, who won the Asian Youth Wrestling Championship in 1998 for Iran, expressed disappointment with the current regime's survival.
Cite this Entry
“Subsistence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subsistence. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
