existence

noun

ex·​is·​tence ig-ˈzi-stən(t)s How to pronounce existence (audio)
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 heavenJohn Keats
b
: sentient or living being : life
c
: reality as presented in experience
d
obsolete : reality as opposed to appearance

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
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The narrative is the unbroken saga of humanity and fire, a companionship that extends through all our existence as a species. Stephen Pyne, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Jan. 2025 The drama follows a megastar champion (McGraw) who is facing a life-or-death crossroads when confronted by the arrival of a fearless young rider whose very existence challenges his ways and unearths secrets that force him to reckon with his past. Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025 Syrians are aware of their existence, but their locations need to be pinpointed. Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 27 Jan. 2025 That, of course, might prevent the filmmaker from touching on the less flattering aspects of someone’s existence. Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025 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

Dictionary Entries Near existence

Cite this Entry

“Existence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/existence. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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