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

2

: to continue to be

racism 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

• be
• breathe
• live
• subsist

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

The Timex Weekender may last as long as mechanical watches exist. —Ars Technica, 18 Mar. 2025

Although many other states share this critique of the international order, the varied ideologies of this coalition offer no positive vision that could replace the existing system. —Christopher S. Chivvis, Foreign Affairs, 18 Mar. 2025

Relocating an existing series from one streamer to another has proven extremely difficult. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2025

Others spring for a toddler bed frame, which is generally low to the ground and can accommodate an existing crib mattress. —Laura Broadwell, Parents, 18 Mar. 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