exist

verb

ex·​ist ig-ˈzist 

existed; existing; exists

intransitive verb

1

a

: to have real being whether material or spiritual

did unicorns exist

the largest galaxy known to exist

b

: to have being in a specified place or with respect to understood limitations or conditions

Strange ideas existed in his mind.

problems that exist in our own community

2

: to continue to be

Inequality still exists in society.

3

a

: to have life or the functions of vitality

We cannot exist without oxygen.

b

: to live at an inferior level or under adverse circumstances

the hungry existing from day to day

Synonyms of exist

• live
• be

Examples of exist in a Sentence

She believes that ghosts really do exist.

It's the largest galaxy known to exist.

Does life exist on Mars?

The Internet didn't exist then.

We shouldn't ignore the problems that exist in our own community.

Racism still exists in our society.

The organization may soon cease to exist if more funding isn't provided.

Recent Examples on the Web

Alongside the ongoing threat of rising waters, an isolated risk for severe thunderstorms exists on Thursday as this stubborn weather pattern continues. —Ahmad Bajjey, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026

In response, company representatives contended the Park Service had no basis to require permits or a new plan of operations because the activities were already authorized under existing approvals issued by the Bureau of Land Management in 1985, the correspondence states. —Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026

Awareness acknowledges that autism exists; acceptance goes further by promoting true inclusion. —Oc Register, 15 Apr. 2026

Friends warned them that switching to halal was a risk with their existing non-Muslim customers. —Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French exister, borrowed from Latin existere, exsistere "to come into view, appear, show oneself, come into being" (Late Latin, "to have real being, be, be present"), from ex- ex- entry 1 + sistere "to cause to stand, assume a standing position, place, check, halt" — more at assist entry 1

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for exist

• assist
• blacklist
• booklist
• checklist
• consist
• desist
• dismissed
• enlist
• insist
• oocyst
• persist
• resist

Kids Definition

exist

verb

ex·​ist ig-ˈzist 

1

: to have actual being : be real

do unicorns exist?

2

: to continue to be

as long as doubt exists

3

: to continue to live : stay alive

earned barely enough to exist on