1
as in existence
the fact of being or of being real
believes in the subsistence of a soul as a separate entity from the body
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in continuation
uninterrupted or lasting existence
the subsistence of the patient's infection, even after the use of antibiotics, had the doctors puzzled
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of subsistence
Ganges sharks, however, have been harvested for their oil, meat, and fins by subsistence and industrial fishing operations alike.
—
John P. Rafferty, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Mar. 2026
People in these groups are more likely to rely on subsistence fishing from the river for protein—and less likely to be able to afford the expensive reverse-osmosis filtration systems that screen out PFAS.
—Patrick Sisson, Scientific American, 9 Mar. 2026
There are characters preserving cultural traditions, grappling with intergenerational trauma, and practicing subsistence hunting and fishing, while also navigating relationship troubles and leaning on the strong support systems that get us through it all.
—Lale Arikoglu, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Mar. 2026
The number of asylum seekers receiving state support in the form of accommodation or subsistence payments was 107,003 — down 5% on the previous year.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for subsistence
John P. Rafferty, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Mar. 2026
People in these groups are more likely to rely on subsistence fishing from the river for protein—and less likely to be able to afford the expensive reverse-osmosis filtration systems that screen out PFAS.
—Patrick Sisson, Scientific American, 9 Mar. 2026
There are characters preserving cultural traditions, grappling with intergenerational trauma, and practicing subsistence hunting and fishing, while also navigating relationship troubles and leaning on the strong support systems that get us through it all.
—Lale Arikoglu, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Mar. 2026
The number of asylum seekers receiving state support in the form of accommodation or subsistence payments was 107,003 — down 5% on the previous year.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for subsistence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subsistence
Noun
-
Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Friday the existence of a criminal probe in response to Eskamani’s letter.—
Cristóbal Reyes,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 May 2026
-
Whatever scholars might assume from the etymology, Morrison said the word’s origins reveal little about the Pharisees besides their existence as a distinct group.—
Harmeet Kaur,
CNN Money,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
Almost immediately, members of the public sympathetic to the defendant touted Tamura’s actions as a laudable continuation of the defendant’s philosophy.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
7 May 2026
-
Their decision to pursue the genre is both a continuation of tradition and, in the current political climate, an act of protest.—
Cat Cardenas,
Vogue,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
The government has announced austerity measures to control public spending and ensure the continuity of essential services amid the risk of disruptions in oil supply.—
Anabella González,
CNN Money,
2 May 2026
-
Rodríguez’s rise to interim leadership has signaled continuity in key areas of state control, even as her government adopts a more pragmatic tone toward the United States.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
The trial was set to begin on May 26, but the parties asked for a lengthy continuance to pursue further discovery and discuss a possible settlement.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Because the case will be decided by Cook County Judge Carl Boyd instead of a jury, the trial is not subject to the same time pressures and may have long continuances.—
Evy Lewis,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
While the strategy once appeared premature, Time notes that persistence paid off.—
Anthony Thompson,
USA Today,
1 May 2026
-
In adult-serving programs, the difference between persistence and withdrawal is often response time, proactive advising and timely academic support.—
Ian Gibson,
Twin Cities,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
In real space travel, however, or for anyone living off-world long term, coping with cosmic and solar radiation would be one of the most crucial considerations for survival.—
Alan Bradley,
Space.com,
8 May 2026
-
Several female giraffes at the Colorado Springs zoo were recommended for breeding under the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ species survival plan, but Khalid — the zoo’s former breeding bull — died in 2025 at 17 years old, Denver officials said.—
Lauren Penington,
Denver Post,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Subsistence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subsistence. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
