existent

adjective

ex·​is·​tent ig-ˈzi-stənt How to pronounce existent (audio)
Synonyms of existentnext
1
: having being : existing
2
: existing now : present
existent methods of flood control
existent noun

Synonyms of existent

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Examples of existent in a Sentence

I think we should improve existent parks rather than create new ones. to some people, angels are as existent as aardvarks or astronomers
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 120 misconfigured files the researchers found contained 227 commands to install non-existent packages or view unclaimed domains. — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2026 At their worst, the defense was somewhere between non-existent and awful. — David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 26 Aug. 2026 Pigs grunt and chickens squawk in the mist, laundry is hung out on the line, and air conditioning is non-existent. — Jennifer Leigh Parker, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 One of the last remaining checks on Immigration and Customs Enforcement and private-prison contractors running immigration detention centers has all but collapsed, leaving thousands of people trapped in a system with nearly non-existent oversight. — Vanessa Romo, NPR, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for existent

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Late Latin existent-, existens/exsistent-, exsistens, from present participle of Latin existere, exsistere "to come into view, appear, show oneself, come into being" (Late Latin, "to have real being, be, be present") — more at exist

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of existent was in 1535

Phrases Containing existent

Rhymes for existent

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Cite this Entry

“Existent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/existent. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

existent

adjective
ex·​ist·​ent
ig-ˈzis-tənt
1
: having being
2
: existing now : extant
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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