existent

adjective

ex·​is·​tent ig-ˈzi-stənt How to pronounce existent (audio)
Synonyms of existentnext
1
: having being : existing
2
: existing now : present
existent methods of flood control
existent noun

Examples of existent in a Sentence

I think we should improve existent parks rather than create new ones. to some people, angels are as existent as aardvarks or astronomers
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As a result, the concept of animal rights was non-existent and people were free to treat animals like any other inanimate property. Rob Toews, Forbes.com, 22 June 2026 The eight-minute short — in which a Parisian man with a facial disfigurement named Marcel dances hopefully in his apartment every night awaiting a non-existent companion — is in fact the brainchild of one Robert Gaudette. Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2026 As with many other types of scams, World Cup fraudsters will try to capitalize on surging demand to pressure people into paying for non-existent tickets. ABC News, 17 June 2026 Scammers may also advertise non-existent hotels, short-term rentals, or vacation properties near event venues. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for existent

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Late Latin existent-, existens/exsistent-, exsistens, from present participle of Latin existere, exsistere "to come into view, appear, show oneself, come into being" (Late Latin, "to have real being, be, be present") — more at exist

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of existent was in 1535

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Existent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/existent. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

existent

adjective
ex·​ist·​ent
ig-ˈzis-tənt
1
: having being
2
: existing now : extant

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