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
Advocates warn that new cuts to Medicaid reimbursement rates of 3% to 10% could deepen an existing nursing shortage, forcing families to go without full coverage and pushing some patients into institutions.
—
Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 2025
For as long as fast-food and pizza joints have existed, certain restaurants have been defined by, and designed for, takeout and delivery.
—Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 27 Oct. 2025
Although the existing tariff levels—19 percent for Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand, and 20 percent for Vietnam—remain unchanged, the reciprocal agreements detail new provisions, including zero tariffs for select goods, and stricter environmental and labor compliance terms.
—Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 27 Oct. 2025
The existing contract was set to expire.
—Bram Sable-Smith, NPR, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exist
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Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 2025
For as long as fast-food and pizza joints have existed, certain restaurants have been defined by, and designed for, takeout and delivery.
—Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 27 Oct. 2025
Although the existing tariff levels—19 percent for Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand, and 20 percent for Vietnam—remain unchanged, the reciprocal agreements detail new provisions, including zero tariffs for select goods, and stricter environmental and labor compliance terms.
—Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 27 Oct. 2025
The existing contract was set to expire.
—Bram Sable-Smith, NPR, 27 Oct. 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 29 Oct. 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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