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
While real estate and unemployment figures remain relatively stable, concerns exist about rising foreclosures and potential job losses.
—
Russ Wiles, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
New plants The fastest way to increase U.S. production is to use existing facilities, for which the supply chains have already been established, like Nissan is planning to do.
—Michael Wayland, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025
Yes, the show exists within the rigid and exacting world of dance, but there is an overflow of jokes about food and weight.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2025
So what do all those existing and potentially new users do now as regards tracking?
—Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exist
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Russ Wiles, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
New plants The fastest way to increase U.S. production is to use existing facilities, for which the supply chains have already been established, like Nissan is planning to do.
—Michael Wayland, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025
Yes, the show exists within the rigid and exacting world of dance, but there is an overflow of jokes about food and weight.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2025
So what do all those existing and potentially new users do now as regards tracking?
—Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 23 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 27 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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