nonexistence

noun

non·​ex·​is·​tence ˌnän-ig-ˈzi-stən(t)s How to pronounce nonexistence (audio)
: absence of existence : the negation of being

Examples of nonexistence 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.
Something happened online, but the details are fuzzy because all the context has been flattened into nonexistence. Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2025 The body simply won’t lose consciousness, and losing it is something that cannot be willed into existence, or, rather, into nonexistence. Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025 There are a lot of ways to interpret that, but one thing that is built into the conceit of the show is that, for the innies, the choice is work or nonexistence. Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 17 Jan. 2025 Our last conscious moment was the moment when our passing nonexistence and our final one would marry. Sam Sacks, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nonexistence

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonexistence was in 1646

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nonexistence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonexistence. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

nonexistence

noun
non·​ex·​ist·​ence
ˌnän-ig-ˈzis-təns
: absence of existence
nonexistent
-tənt
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on nonexistence

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