Exist — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ig-ˈzist/ ex·ist

Meaning & Definition of Exist

Exist (verb)

  1. to have real being whether material or spiritual
  2. to have being in a specified place or with respect to understood limitations or conditions
  3. to continue to be

Exist (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to have life

    "strive to have a full, rich life rather than merely exist"

    similar: be, breathe, live, subsist
    related: abide, continue, endure, hold on, hold up, keep (on), kick, last, lead, persist, rule, run on, survive, move, flourish, prosper, thrive
    opposite: depart, die, expire, pass away, perish, succumb
    near: disappear, evaporate, vanish, cease, desist, discontinue, end, quit, stop, abate, die (down), ebb, let up, moderate, subside, wane

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Exist

The most common words with a similar meaning to Exist:

be, breathe, live, subsist

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Exist

Words with the opposite meaning of Exist:

depart, die, expire, pass away, perish, succumb

Related Words for Exist

abide, continue, endure, hold on, hold up, keep (on), kick, last, lead, persist, rule, run on, survive, move, flourish, prosper, thrive

Near Antonyms of Exist

disappear, evaporate, vanish, cease, desist, discontinue, end, quit, stop, abate, die (down), ebb, let up, moderate, subside, wane

Word Forms of Exist

Inflections: existed, existing, exists

Origin & Etymology of Exist

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French exister, borrowed from Latin existere, exsistere "to come into view, appear, show oneself, come into being" (Late Latin, "to have real being, be, be present"), from ex- ex-:1 + sistere "to cause to stand, assume a standing position, place, check, halt" assist:1

First known use: 1570

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Exist

Frequently Asked Questions about Exist

What does "Exist" mean?

"Exist" means to have real being whether material or spiritual. As a verb, it is defined as: to have real being whether material or spiritual.

What is another word for "Exist"?

Other words for "Exist" include be, breathe, live and subsist. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Exist" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Exist"?

There are 21 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Exist". Common alternatives include be, breathe, live and subsist.

What is the opposite of "Exist"?

Antonyms of "Exist" include depart, die, expire, pass away, perish and succumb. Near antonyms include disappear, evaporate, vanish and cease.

How do you use "Exist" in a sentence?

Examples of "Exist" in a sentence: "strive to have a full, rich life rather than merely exist".

Is "Exist" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Exist" is a verb.

Is "Exist" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A2-level word, "Exist" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+.

How do you pronounce "Exist"?

"Exist" is pronounced /ig-ˈzist/ and divided into syllables as ex·ist.