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

District officials believe the aging of existing farmers with no succession plans, less valuable soils in that area, and the current low prices for commodities make financial incentives more attractive and the target attainable. —Allen Best, Denver Post, 14 June 2026

Housing and neighborhood stability — including preventing the displacement of existing residents — is a critical community priority listed in the vision and action plan. —Michael Abeyta, CBS News, 14 June 2026

If the project proceeds to full construction, the existing infrastructure provides the advanced equipment and expertise needed to move the project on a faster timeline, as per the release. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 13 June 2026

This year’s inaugural USATF Tour aims to organize the fragmented sport by streamlining the calendar and working with existing event coordinators to provide resources, including prize money and travel for top athletes, marketing and drug testing. —Los Angeles Times, 13 June 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