exist

verb

ex·​ist ig-ˈzist 

existed; existing; exists

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

• live
• be

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

Physicists at the University of Colorado Boulder have demonstrated a new type of vacuum ultraviolet laser that is 100 to 1,000 times more efficient than existing technologies. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Mar. 2026

And to consider her as existing separate from her creators is like imagining that the ventriloquist dummy Charlie McCarthy could have a career, and an agent, separate from the real performer Edgar Bergen. —Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026

Surcharges to cover rising fuel costs can't be added retroactively to existing bookings—so travelers who have purchased their airfares shouldn't worry about getting hit with extra fees. —Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Mar. 2026

None are in prison anymore, and few English-language news reports even exist about the murder today. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 11 Mar. 2026

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

Rhymes for exist

• assist
• blacklist
• booklist
• checklist
• consist
• desist
• dismissed
• enlist
• insist
• oocyst
• persist
• resist

Kids Definition

exist

verb

ex·​ist ig-ˈzist 

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