existence

noun

ex·is·tence | \ig-ˈzi-stən(t)s

Definition of existence

1a obsolete : reality as opposed to appearance

b : reality as presented in experience

c(1) : the totality of existent things

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

d : sentient or living being : life

2a : 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

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

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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

This does not explain why the FBI failed to announce either the results of its spying campaign, or even the existence of the investigation, in time to help Clinton win, rather than allowing the probe to remain secret until well after the election. — Jonathan Chait, Daily Intelligencer, "Trump’s FBI Spy Theory Is Completely Insane," 23 May 2018 Interest has grown over the program’s seven or eight years of existence, Deming said. — Reema Amin, baltimoresun.com, "Anne Arundel summer dance program conveys confidence as well as technique," 11 July 2018 Katie Casey, recreation supervisor for the New Lenox Community Park District, said the fest, which runs July 26-29 this year, hasn’t been given a number to reflect its more than 30 years of existence. — Ginger Brashinger, Daily Southtown, "Proud American Days to close out July with food, fun and entertainment," 11 July 2018 The Thunder has reached the playoffs in each of its eight years of existence — although Oklahoma City has yet to claim a title of its own. — Sean Quinton, The Seattle Times, "10 years ago today, the Sonics moved from Seattle to Oklahoma City," 2 July 2018 On its second day of existence, the Hartford Line appeared to be outstripped by its own success. — Matthew Ormseth, courant.com, "On Day 2, Hartford Line Service Marked By Cancellations, Delays," 17 June 2018 Cerro Gordo came into existence as a small mining town after the discovery of silver in 1865. — Madison Park, CNN, "This California ghost town is for sale," 14 June 2018 An Israel quietly cooperating with Saudi Arabia would have seemed inconceivable to the founders of a country that fought four wars with its neighbors in its first 25 years of existence. — Matthew Campbell, Bloomberg.com, "Benjamin Netanyahu Could Be Heading for a Fifth Term. Or to Court," 14 June 2018 In fact, this might turn out to be the most significant few months of the group’s existence so far. — Abraham Riesman, Daily Intelligencer, "Can the young activists of IfNotNow change the conversation about Israel and the Palestinians, or will their contradictions hold them back?," 12 July 2018

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.