PREEXIST Synonyms: 8 Similar and Opposite Words

preexist

verb

ˌprē-ig-ˈzist

Definition of preexist

as in to precede

to go or come before in time an advanced Mesoamerican civilization whose apex and collapse preexisted the arrival of Europeans by hundreds of years

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 preexist Authorities found out most of those who passed away were over 60 years old and had preexisting health conditions, which may have been exacerbated by the intense heat. — Time, 18 June 2023 Those who died had already suffered from preexisting health conditions, Ballia’s chief medical officer, Jayant Kumar, told the AP. — Sammy Westfall, Washington Post, 18 June 2023 And sometimes,s perfectly healthy skin doesn’t tolerate retinoids well—let alone skin with sensitivities or preexisting conditions, like eczema or rosacea, explains Alicia Yoon, esthetician and founder of Peach & Lily skincare. — Danielle Blundell, Women's Health, 13 June 2023 Sharing plans are not required to cover preexisting conditions or provide the minimum health benefits mandated by the Affordable Care Act. — Markian Hawryluk, CBS News, 13 June 2023 See All Example Sentences for preexist

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preexist

precede

Verb

Subsequent breakout attempts failed, preceding the sharp decline associated with the tariff tantrum.

— Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
The boldest declarations of solidarity, Lee knows, often precede the quietest and cruellest of betrayals.

— Justin Chang, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of precede

Browse Nearby Words

preens

preexist

preexisted

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Preexist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preexist. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of preexist

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

shindig

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Pwn, Skibidi, Girlboss and Other Words Added to the 2026 Scrabble Dictionary

The Words of the Week - Oct. 30

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes