coexist

verb

co·​ex·​ist ˌkō-ig-ˈzist How to pronounce coexist (audio)
coexisted; coexisting; coexists

intransitive verb

1
: to exist together or at the same time
2
: to live in peace with each other especially as a matter of policy
coexistence noun
coexistent adjective

Example Sentences

The species coexist in the same environment. Can the two countries peacefully coexist?
Recent Examples on the Web As of now, the pair have chalked it up to a drunken moment and continued to awkwardly coexist at work. Kelly Wynne, Peoplemag, 2 Mar. 2023 And there is room for all scale and scope of films to coexist. Katie Kilkenny, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Mar. 2023 Rustic touches coexist alongside the antiques and modern design — the textile designer Carolina Irving, a close friend who followed him to Melides, recommended the Egyptian tenting fabric on the sofa. Ellie Pithers Clément Vayssieres, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2023 In the Galapagos, Schluter found that when two finch species coexist on the same island, the differences in beak size and shape are more dramatic than when the same two species were found separately on different islands. Katie Hunt, CNN, 30 Jan. 2023 The focus is on enabling marine energy devices to coexist harmoniously with aquatic life. Jeff Kart, Forbes, 28 Jan. 2023 During this time, Christian art was uncovered and allowed to coexist next to the Ottoman's Islamic art. Bonny Chu, Fox News, 20 Jan. 2023 They were considered too much alike, playing the same position, unable to coexist. Gary Washburn, BostonGlobe.com, 12 Jan. 2023 Benedict broke centuries of tradition in which popes served until death, and the need to coexist with his predecessor has been a defining aspect of Francis’s tenure, coinciding with a period of growing polarization within the faith. Stefano Pitrelli, Washington Post, 1 Jan. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'coexist.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of coexist was in 1667

Dictionary Entries Near coexist

Cite this Entry

“Coexist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coexist. Accessed 23 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

coexist

verb
co·​ex·​ist ˌkō-ig-ˈzist How to pronounce coexist (audio)
1
: to exist together or at the same time
2
: to live in peace with each other
coexistence noun
coexistent adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on coexist

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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