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.
Below’s detour to Little Pot Rock wraps up quickly with little explanation for the erstwhile hag’s seemingly flesh-and-blood existence on the island, but something spooky’s going on with her for sure. — Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026 Beauty and mortality become intertwined in a meditation on existence, care and the fragility of life. — Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026 This is a family chosen by forces not always under their control who are mostly carrying out a mundane existence in peace until Emma’s human boyfriend Max (Jaren Lewison) gets involved. — Whitney Friedlander, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026 The latest in Fujiwara’s long list of collaborations owes its existence to a social media post. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 8 Oct. 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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Browse Nearby Words

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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 14 Oct. 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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