existent

adjective

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

Synonyms of existent

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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.
Blissfully unaware of the industry’s collective eye baggage and only concerned about her own (non-existent) dark circles is Saoirse Ronan, who Eurostar-ed her way to Paris just for the Louis Vuitton show. — Alice Newbold, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2026 Multiple times over the last five decades, from building a business in a practically non-existent market to losing funding in the middle of a loan crisis, Donna Carpenter thought Burton Snowboards might not survive another day. — Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026 Weeds and money woes sprouted By July 2025, work on Pennway Point was all but non-existent. — Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 2026 Reich exec produces and stars in the show, which is about three young people who begin to question their humiliating jobs and non-existent love lives. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2026 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

Phrases Containing existent

Rhymes for existent

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Browse Nearby Words

existency
existent
existential
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Cite this Entry

“Existent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/existent. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

existent

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