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

Cleaning trash cans is a chore that most of us would rather pretend doesn't exist, so we're thrilled when a cleaning hack comes along that can save us some pain and effort. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 24 Nov. 2025

The developer also is seeking waivers for the project’s height, number of stories, the building’s setback from existing structures, and a parking concession, according to the planning documents. —George Avalos, Mercury News, 24 Nov. 2025

Credible messenger term coined by a Black Panther Credible messengers, a term that traces back to Eddie Ellis, a former member of the Black Panther Party, have existed for decades in various forms. —Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 24 Nov. 2025

But, in the span of Hammeken’s career, his way of life has transformed from something that worked for thousands of years to something that will hardly exist after him. —Ben Taub, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025

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

circa 1568, 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