exist

verb

ex·​ist ig-ˈzist How to pronounce exist (audio)
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

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 At first, the Board of Health, which was responsible for implementing the changes, voted to exempt existing clinics. Jenna Portnoy, Washington Post, 22 Mar. 2024 But as Dillon points out, existing legislation only covers the data used to produce AI models, not the models themselves. Nick Rockel, Fortune, 22 Mar. 2024 When planting hydrangeas near trees, check with your nursery to see how much spacing is ideal in order to protect the existing root system. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 22 Mar. 2024 To the general public, they are probably known as dermatologists, albeit ones who exist inside their phones, and whose presence in their lives is closer to that of an entertainer than an actual medical practitioner. Brennan Kilbane, Allure, 21 Mar. 2024 That will seriously cut its state funding and compound its existing budget problems. Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2024 Photograph: Swatch Like existing MoonSwatch models, this Snoopy watch is equipped with the chronograph function. Jeremy White, WIRED, 21 Mar. 2024 One plan calls for using 10 acres of existing parking. Tom Daykin, Journal Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2024 Another Amish settlement existed in Burke's Garden from about 1990 to 1999. Sophie Carson, Journal Sentinel, 10 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'exist.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of exist was circa 1568

Dictionary Entries Near exist

Cite this Entry

“Exist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exist. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

exist

verb
ex·​ist ig-ˈzist How to pronounce exist (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on exist

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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