existence

noun

ex·is·tence | \ ig-ˈzi-stən(t)s

Definition of existence

1a : the state or fact of having being especially independently of human consciousness and as contrasted with nonexistence the existence of other worlds

b : the manner of being that is common to every mode of being

c : being with respect to a limiting condition or under a particular aspect

2 : actual or present occurrence existence of a state of war

3a(1) : the totality of existent things

(2) : a particular being all the fair existences of heaven— John Keats

b : sentient or living being : life

c : reality as presented in experience

d obsolete : reality as opposed to appearance

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing existence Learn More About existence

Examples of existence in a Sentence

She began to doubt the existence of God. the existence of UFO's is something that people continue to argue about

Recent Examples on the Web Here are the programs currently in existence in the state: IndyRent: Tenants who live in Marion County and are facing active eviction may apply for emergency rental assistance through the city's IndyRent program. — The Indianapolis Star, 10 Aug. 2022 For instance, the Wings platform operates in London and aims to provide an ethical alternative to the various food delivery apps in existence today. — Adi Gaskell, Forbes, 4 Aug. 2022 There are just a couple of purported photographs of him in existence. — Tim Lister, CNN, 2 Aug. 2022 After meeting the then-$25 million cap the first year in existence, donations slowed while multiple lawsuits challenging various aspects of the law worked their way through the system. — Trisha Powell Crain | Tcrain@al.com, al, 1 Aug. 2022 That car, one of the most significant Ferrari race cars in existence, is the 1998 Ferrari F300 Formula 1 machine driven to victory four times by seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher. — Robert Ross, Robb Report, 1 Aug. 2022 The comedy/sci-fi film tells the tale of Dugu Yue while being left unexpectedly on the moon, an asteroid destroys the earth, leaving him the last person in existence. — Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 1 Aug. 2022 Tom Brady has been in the NFL longer than the Texans have been in existence, and his continued high level play is astounding. — Stephanie Stradley, Chron, 26 July 2022 The Mind Stone allows its user to enhance their mind, awaken or heighten abilities like telepathy and telekinesis, and — when combined with the Power Stone — access all minds in existence concurrently. — Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2022 See More

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