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
The grand jury is left alone to deliberate whether probable cause exists.
—
Nate Chute, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
Christmas has only existed for a couple thousand years; even creationists admit there was a time before Jesus.
—Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 22 Nov. 2024
With whatever time constraint exists, using 90% of it to ask and test the right questions yields the best answers.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
While these barriers do exist—especially in rural areas—the truth is most immigrants make careful, informed choices.
—Basel Touchan, TIME, 22 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for exist 
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Nate Chute, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
Christmas has only existed for a couple thousand years; even creationists admit there was a time before Jesus.
—Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 22 Nov. 2024
With whatever time constraint exists, using 90% of it to ask and test the right questions yields the best answers.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
While these barriers do exist—especially in rural areas—the truth is most immigrants make careful, informed choices.
—Basel Touchan, TIME, 22 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for exist
Dictionary Entries Near exist
Cite this Entry
“Exist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exist. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
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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