existence

noun ex·is·tence \ ig-ˈzi-stən(t)s \

|Updated on: 6 Jun 2018

Examples: existence in a Sentence

Definition of existence

1 a 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

2 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

3 : actual or present occurrence

existence of a state of war

See existence defined for English-language learners

See existence defined for kids

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 of existence from the Web

The eggs in my hands were beastly and beautiful, and I was mystified by their existence.

— chicago tribune, chicagotribune.com, "Algren Award runner-up: "Lizard Lover" by Christine Vines," 2 June 2018
The New York Times first reported on the existence of the memo Wednesday.

— monique judge, The Root, "#ObstructionGate: Former FBI Official’s Memo Hints That Comey Firing Was Related to Russia Investigation," 1 June 2018
The disregard for my existence raised me into an apathetic adult- completely disassociated from my emotions.

— sarah bahbah, Teen Vogue, "Sarah Bahbah Exclusive Interview About Surviving Child Abuse," 1 June 2018
But at the time, both conservative and liberal blogs reported on its existence.

— the washington post, NOLA.com, "A brief history of Roseanne Barr's online hate," 30 May 2018
This was also, notably, 11 days before the New York Times first reported on the existence of the meeting.

— aaron blake, Washington Post, "7 big things we just learned from the Trump Tower meeting transcripts," 16 May 2018
But their popularity was contingent on the existence of what could broadly be described as a common culture shared by Americans of all kinds.

— terry teachout, WSJ, "What’s Wrong With the Broadway Musical?," 9 May 2018
Media: Chicago Tribune The delay came as many senators questioned Bridenstine's ability to serve in the role, especially because of his views on the existence of climate change — or potential lack-thereof.

— alex stuckey, Houston Chronicle, "Oklahoma congressman sworn in as new NASA leader," 23 Apr. 2018
The Department of Justice would not comment on the existence or nonexistence of this investigation to The Verge.

— ashley carman, The Verge, "Department of Justice reportedly investigating AT&T and Verizon over collusion against eSIM technology," 20 Apr. 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.

First Known Use of existence

15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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EXISTENCE Defined for Kids

existence

noun ex·is·tence \ ig-ˈzi-stəns \

Definition of existence for Students

1 : the fact or the condition of being or of being real

The blue whale is the largest animal in existence.

2 : the state of being alive : life

Learn More about existence

See words that rhyme with existence Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for existence Spanish Central: Translation of existence Nglish: Translation of existence for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of existence for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about existence

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existence

Definition of existence

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