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 But more often, the new institution ends up competing with its still extant predecessor. — Jennifer Pahlka, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for extant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for extant

Adjective

The parties have met twice since and still have not settled on how existing treaties should govern the technique.

— Alec Luhn, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
The distortions are especially striking given the actor’s pre-existing place in the pantheon of TV moms.

— Alison Herman, Variety, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of existing

Adjective

Instead of relying on an external mechanical tool to move the molecule, the current itself powers the motion.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
If the current odds in all those states hold, the Democrats would win 18 out of 35 races and shift the majority from 53-47 for the Republicans to 52-48 for the Democrats.

— Shawn Tully, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of current

Adjective

The classmate, Joleene Altum, sued Griffin for emotional distress and invasion of privacy, and Griffin countersued for defamation in a bitter, ongoing legal battle.

— Ben Smith, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026
The investigation into the violence was ongoing, and police asked witnesses to come forward.

— Samantha Cookinham, NBC news, 25 Oct. 2026