EXISTING Synonyms: 67 Similar and Opposite Words

existing 1 of 2

adjective

as in extant

having being at the present time existing breeds of the turkey that graces our Thanksgiving table are said to bear little resemblance to the gamy birds that the Pilgrims enjoyed

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

existing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of exist

as in living

to have life strive to have a full, rich life rather than merely exist

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of existing

Adjective

Pavi is a younger hero than even 12-year-old Aang, perhaps an attempt to introduce Avatar to a new generation of kids where the movie was more of a service to pre-existing fans. — Alison Herman, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026 Therefore, their rotors would operate at higher elevations while existing turbines continue generating electricity below. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026 The new penalties align with pre-existing rules on Singapore’s subway system. — Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2026 These would vary from game-to-game, but generally encompass pre-existing events like boss fights, loading screens, and transitions out of cutscenes. — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 23 Sep. 2026 Common exclusions can include pre-existing conditions, improper maintenance or installation, structural problems and certain issues involving rust, corrosion or sediment buildup. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2026 There was a pre-existing agreement in place specifically between Netflix and Skydance Animation that was announced in 2023, with the latter label ultimately falling under Paramount post-merger. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 14 Sep. 2026 Cosmetic repairs, oil changes and tune-ups are also usually excluded, as are pre-existing issues and damage resulting from accidents, misuse, neglect or improper maintenance. — Brian Sloan, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2026

Verb

For now, the central test is whether autonomous electric railcars can move from supervised pilots to dependable commercial service across existing rail networks. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2026 In-house attorneys must now approve or change new or existing contracts, and the board has the power to approve contracts over $25 million. — Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 10 Oct. 2026 In day scenes, film lights were only used where natural light fell short; at night, the team relied as much as possible on existing streetlights and lamps. — Ophélie Surcouf, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026 Even if the wars do continue, the identities of both major parties are in flux—existing coalitions are shaky, and the tremors could lead to unexpectedly competitive races in seats drawn around outdated assumptions. — Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026 The mayor also referenced the deaths of nine people in Erie, Pennsylvania, saying the tragedy underscored the need to revisit existing laws. — James Cirrone , Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026 Anyone with an existing collection of third-party solar panels will need to keep track of an extra set of cables. — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026 This study springs from our existing research involving artificial intelligence (AI) and acoustics. — Jacqueline Ortoleva, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2026 There's no pricing or coverage plan yet, and no comparison with Starlink or other existing systems. — New Atlas, 3 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for existing

Adjective

To be clear, none of these can be detected with our extant fleet of telescopes.

— Phil Plait, Scientific American, 2 Oct. 2026
The majority of the 120 extant paintings by Velázquez are primarily held by museums across the world; around 50 of those works are owned by the Prado.

— Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of extant

Verb

The living-and-dining area is about 200 square feet, and the galley kitchen has a passthrough that can be used as a counter but also sheds a little extra light on the dark cabinetry and jet-black tile.

— Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 12 Oct. 2026
Producers Arya Ibrahim and Gita Fara describe the project as a story of the political upheaval of 1965, which tore families apart and left people who lost their citizenship living as exiles.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of living

Adjective

For example, in 2025, only four players had 30 or more receptions, and the Broncos’ downfield passing game was virtually non-existent.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 11 Oct. 2026
Against the typically mediocre USC defense, their running attack was virtually non-existent with just 68 yards on 31 attempts.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of existent

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“Existing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/existing. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of existing

adjective

verb

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