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
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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.
That cast, now older, is also feeling the series bleeding into their day-to-day existence. — John Bleasdale, Variety, 30 Oct. 2026 Scrooge comes face to face with the hollowness of his existence after being visited by the ghosts of Christmases past, present, and those yet to come. — Sean Woods, Rolling Stone, 30 Oct. 2026 By Will Sabel Courtney Aston Martin Aston Martin’s century-plus of existence has seen the British automaker’s fate controlled by a wide range of owners and partners, but some through lines have always been there. — Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2026 Yet meaningful participation requires more than the existence of options. — Sharon Sewell-Fairman, New York Daily News, 30 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 1 Nov. 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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