preexisting

adjective

pre·​ex·​ist·​ing ˌprē-ig-ˈzi-stiŋ How to pronounce preexisting (audio)
Synonyms of preexistingnext
: existing at an earlier time
a preexisting medical condition

Examples of preexisting in a Sentence

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.
Last January, a report emerged that the group was presented with several offers for shows over the summer but dismissed them due to logistical issues surrounding the venues and travel, as well as preexisting commitments. Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 1 June 2026 Even more recently, the multitrillion-dollar deal package that Trump rolled out during his Gulf trip last year ultimately proved smaller in reality, once preexisting and repackaged deals were counted out of the math. Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 14 May 2026 The company also covers undetectable preexisting conditions, rust damage and improper installations. Sharon Wu, USA Today, 1 May 2026 Most producers have preexisting contracts with plastic suppliers. Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for preexisting

Word History

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of preexisting was in 1599

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Preexisting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preexisting. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.

Medical Definition

preexisting

adjective
pre·​ex·​ist·​ing ˌprē-ig-ˈzi-stiŋ How to pronounce preexisting (audio)
variants or pre-existing
: existing or present earlier or before a certain point of time
In 1990, over 60 percent of group health insurance plans contained exclusions of coverage for preexisting conditions, signifying the denial of benefits for any illness present at the time the insurance is obtained.Thomas Bodenheimer, in The New England Journal of Medicine

More from Merriam-Webster on preexisting

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster