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

2

: to continue to be

racism 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

• 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

Advocates warn that new cuts to Medicaid reimbursement rates of 3% to 10% could deepen an existing nursing shortage, forcing families to go without full coverage and pushing some patients into institutions. —Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 2025

For as long as fast-food and pizza joints have existed, certain restaurants have been defined by, and designed for, takeout and delivery. —Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 27 Oct. 2025

Although the existing tariff levels—19 percent for Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand, and 20 percent for Vietnam—remain unchanged, the reciprocal agreements detail new provisions, including zero tariffs for select goods, and stricter environmental and labor compliance terms. —Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 27 Oct. 2025

The existing contract was set to expire. —Bram Sable-Smith, NPR, 27 Oct. 2025

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

circa 1568, 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