existence

noun

ex·​is·​tence ig-ˈzi-stən(t)s How to pronounce existence (audio)
Synonyms of existencenext
1
a
: the state or fact of having being especially independently of human consciousness and as contrasted with nonexistence
the existence of other worlds
b
: the manner of being that is common to every mode of being
c
: being with respect to a limiting condition or under a particular aspect
2
: actual or present occurrence
existence of a state of war
3
a(1)
: the totality of existent things
(2)
: a particular being
… all the fair existences of heaven …—John Keats
b
: sentient or living being : life
c
: reality as presented in experience
d
obsolete : reality as opposed to appearance

Synonyms of existence

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Examples of existence in a Sentence

She began to doubt the existence of God. the existence of UFO's is something that people continue to argue about
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.
In the last three centuries, scholars have unearthed a few morsels—a description in an old poem of a similar tapestry; some rare Scandinavian textiles—that provide at least fragmentary context for the artifact’s existence. — John Phipps, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2026 Her passing on Wednesday came a week before Sportico‘s annual RISE conference, recognizing the power of women in sports and an event and those like it that owe their existence to pioneering feminists like Steinem. — Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 5 Sep. 2026 During its 228 years of existence, the London restaurant Rules – established by Thomas Rule in 1798 – has welcomed everyone from literary giant Charles Dickens to pop queen Madonna. — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2026 But there’s no denying the entire league is operating within an abnormal existence. — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for existence

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Middle French existence, existance, borrowed from Late Latin existentia, exsistentia, noun derivative of existent-, existens/exsistent-, exsistens "having being, existent"

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3d

Time Traveler
The first known use of existence was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing existence

Rhymes for existence

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existence
existency
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Cite this Entry

“Existence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/existence. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

existence

noun
ex·​ist·​ence
ig-ˈzis-tən(t)s
1
: the fact or the state of having being or of being real
the largest animal in existence
2
: the state of being alive : life
owed my existence to a doctor's skill

More from Merriam-Webster on existence

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about existence

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