exist

verb

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ex·ist | \ ig-ˈzist

existed; existing; exists

Definition of exist

intransitive verb

1a : 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

2 : to continue to be racism still exists in society

3a : 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 & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About exist

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Synonyms & Antonyms for exist

Synonyms

Antonyms

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 However, this may not be enough to achieve organizational objectives, as barriers to diversity exist beyond the initial resume review. — Ted Sergott, Forbes, 8 June 2021 Where policies do exist, their implementations are unique. — Zoe Christen Jones, CBS News, 7 June 2021 While similar data don’t exist yet for 2020, the last year did coincide with a dramatic climb in overdose deaths. — oregonlive, 6 June 2021 So long as tests exist, teachers will teach to the test. — Daniel Buck, National Review, 6 June 2021 This last argument can be questioned, as methods do exist which allow scientists to modify viral sequences without leaving a trace. — Virginie Courtier, Quartz, 4 June 2021 The original prototype performed more than 100 flights, but a second one was never completed because the engines for vertical takeoff actually didn't exist. — Jacopo Prisco, CNN, 3 June 2021 Some filmmakers said the story was a tough one to tell because much of the content doesn’t exist anymore. — Fox News, 31 May 2021 My mother and father had spent a decade of my life acting as if the other person didn’t exist, but learning my dad had omitted me from his backstory was crushing. — Nicole Antonio, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 May 2021

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