EXTANT Synonyms: 81 Similar and Opposite Words

extant

adjective

ˈek-stənt

Definition of extant

as in existing

having being at the present time a celebrated author who is generally regarded as America's greatest novelist extant

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in current

existing or in progress right now when people envisage the future, they often base their predictions on the assumption that extant trends will continue indefinitely

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 extant Thus far this century, several fundamental changes in the healthcare system have succeeded in getting passed in Congress, perhaps in part due to their working more or less within the confines of an extant system. — Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Red dwarfs are very volatile bodies, giving off enormous amounts of X-rays and ultraviolet energy, both of which can destroy extant life or prevent it from getting started in the first place. — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 16 July 2026 After Rogers left his job at the store, husband and wife had a go at a similar scheme, shilling aluminum cookware for the company Wear-Ever Aluminum (still extant as WearEver Cookware). — Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 15 July 2026 Experts are particularly concerned about the safety of the cheetahs, as no extant cheetah populations coexist with tigers in the wild. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for extant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for extant

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

Definition of existing

Adjective

The Social Security Trustees project that the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, which pays retirement and survivor benefits, will deplete its reserves in the fourth quarter of 2032 under current law.

— Ray R. Harris, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
Le and her husband purchased their current location at 903 South Federal Blvd.

— Sara Rosenthal, Denver Post, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of current

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

Adjective

The coupling of violence with law and order is ever present in the agent’s recollections, but tonally, the show feels light.

— Stephanie Wambugu, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026
While discussing the characterizations present in the series, Sandler noted that star Noah Reid’s Rapp may be an honest representation of men, if not the most likable.

— Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of present

Adjective

InToto, a creative arts forum, provides programming for people experiencing economic hardship, and at his African Village in America, an ongoing art installation, Joe Minter brings the living memory of the Black experience into central focus.

— Leslie Pariseau, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026
The latest contract modification will add two craft to the Navy’s ongoing procurement program, supporting its efforts to maintain and strengthen the capabilities required for modern amphibious operations.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2026