existence

noun

ex·​is·​tence ig-ˈzi-stən(t)s 

1

a

: 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

3

a(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

• reality
• presence
• prevalence
• subsistence

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

Jared Spurgeon and Jonas Brodin have been around for about half of the franchise’s existence — two long-time pillars on the back end. —Michael Russo, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025

So, instead of Jeff Bridges’ character, Kevin Flynn, disappearing into the digital arena, all those sleek vehicles and fancy Programs (like Leto’s Ares) could be 3D printed into existence. —Peter Debruge, Variety, 7 Oct. 2025

Despite continual risk to the library’s existence, scholars from across the world still travel there to conduct research. —Ryan Byrnes, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2025

The question also glances at something that’s being debated among music critics in the press, and among fans — namely, is Swift’s happier existence conducive to making great music? —James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Middle French existence, existance, borrowed from Late Latin existentia, exsistentia, noun derivative of existent-, existens/exsistent-, exsistens "having being, existent"

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3d

Phrases Containing existence

• come into existence
• go out of existence
• struggle for existence

Rhymes for existence

• assistance
• consistence
• desistance
• insistence
• persistence
• resistance
• subsistence
• coexistence
• nonexistence
• distance
• magnetoresistance

Kids Definition

existence

noun

ex·​ist·​ence

ig-ˈzis-tən(t)s

1

: the fact or the state of having being or of being real

the largest animal in existence

2

: the state of being alive : life

owed my existence to a doctor's skill