existent

adjective

ex·​is·​tent ig-ˈzi-stənt How to pronounce existent (audio)
1
: having being : existing
2
: existing now : present
existent methods of flood control
existent noun

Examples of existent in a Sentence

I think we should improve existent parks rather than create new ones. to some people, angels are as existent as aardvarks or astronomers
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.
Seventy percent of the entries in the literature review were non-existent. Fortune Editors, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2025 Shortages of gasoline and other fuels are particularly acute in those provinces, where public transportation is almost non-existent and residents in rural areas use animals to get around or walk. Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2025 Dinner was often non-existent, unless someone was lucky enough to find something to buy. Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2025 Groundwater regulation is non existent in the rest of the state. Clara Migoya, AZCentral.com, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for existent

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Late Latin existent-, existens/exsistent-, exsistens, from present participle of Latin existere, exsistere "to come into view, appear, show oneself, come into being" (Late Latin, "to have real being, be, be present") — more at exist

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of existent was in 1535

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Existent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/existent. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

existent

adjective
ex·​ist·​ent
ig-ˈzis-tənt
1
: having being
2
: existing now : extant

More from Merriam-Webster on existent

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