existed; existing; exists
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
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
Fully staffed with outposts in Los Angeles and Manhattan, Apex continues the partnership that has existed through several iterations for more than 30 years.
—
Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
The existing Elisabetta Franchi boutique on Via Manzoni opened in December 2012 is closing upon the opening of the new one.
—Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
Officials reasoned that the property’s existing zoning, neighborhood commercial — allowing restaurants, banks, barber shops and similar businesses — better served the community.
—Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2025
Caldwell Station Tributary Greenway connects Northern Regional Recreation Center to the existing 2.6-mile greenway, Cornelius Parks & Recreation officials said on social media Wednesday morning.
—Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exist
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Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
The existing Elisabetta Franchi boutique on Via Manzoni opened in December 2012 is closing upon the opening of the new one.
—Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
Officials reasoned that the property’s existing zoning, neighborhood commercial — allowing restaurants, banks, barber shops and similar businesses — better served the community.
—Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2025
Caldwell Station Tributary Greenway connects Northern Regional Recreation Center to the existing 2.6-mile greenway, Cornelius Parks & Recreation officials said on social media Wednesday morning.
—Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exist
Cite this Entry
“Exist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exist. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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