coexist

verb

co·​ex·​ist ˌkō-ig-ˈzist 

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

ˌkō-ig-ˈzi-stən(t)s 

noun

coexistent

ˌkō-ig-ˈzi-stənt 

adjective

Synonyms

• accompany
• coincide

Examples of coexist in a Sentence

The species coexist in the same environment.

Can the two countries peacefully coexist?

Recent Examples on the Web

Gardin showed us a country where the medieval and the modern, the down-and-out and la dolce vita, seemed to coexist. —Max Norman, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2025

The understanding that all knowledge is created through cultural processes does allow for two or more differing truths to coexist. —Sara Giordano, The Conversation, 4 Sep. 2025

Ten years, two babies, and countless breakthroughs later—Lauren Wesley Wilson shows that purpose and presence can coexist. —Essence, 4 Sep. 2025

Is there a world where everyone can coexist peacefully, or does the game thrive off competition? —Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for coexist

• blastocyst
• bolshevist
• egoist
• hedonist
• jihadist
• nativist
• oculist
• reminisced
• assist
• blacklist
• booklist
• checklist

Kids Definition

coexist

verb

co·​ex·​ist ˌkō-ig-ˈzist 

1

: to exist together or at the same time

2

: to live in peace with each other

coexistence

-ˈzis-tən(t)s 

noun

coexistent

-tənt 

adjective