SUBSISTENCE Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

subsistence

noun

səb-ˈsi-stən(t)s

Definition of subsistence

as in existence

the fact of being or of being real believes in the subsistence of a soul as a separate entity from the body

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in continuation

uninterrupted or lasting existence the subsistence of the patient's infection, even after the use of antibiotics, had the doctors puzzled

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 subsistence For example, the agriculture sector has become more dynamic during the war because the economy has shifted toward subsistence and away from higher-productivity activity. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026 The near-death experience forces her to confront her sense of isolation out in the prairie, where life is defined by subsistence. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 3 July 2026 Aspiring early retirees of a more modest sort curb their ambitions considerably; the LeanFIRE subset, for example, counts adherents who are saving for subsistence, a nest egg that will cover just their basic necessities. — Joshua Rivera, Vanity Fair, 8 June 2026 Human rights groups and regional NGOS have long warned that economic desperation in rural communities – where a lack of wage labor and vulnerable subsistence agriculture leave few alternatives – drives locals to take life-threatening risks. — Kocha Olarn, CNN Money, 30 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for subsistence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for subsistence

Noun

As Worth Ranch prepares to celebrate 100 years of existence at the end of the decade, Hunter remains confident that new buildings can be constructed and the land restored.

— Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Aug. 2026
Dark matter, meanwhile, is thought to be the glue that holds galaxies and other massive structures in the universe together, but again, its nature is an enigma and its existence remains unproven.

— Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of existence

Noun

This is a callous continuation of the ongoing campaign by the same individuals and groups targeting Jewish people and the state of Israel, a pattern of antisemitism and misinformation that puts our community in grave danger.

— K.J. Yossman, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
The evening marked a continuation of struggles for Zack Wheeler, who lacked command from the first inning onward.

— Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of continuation

Noun

The Bengals cut the roster down to 53 players on Sunday and there weren’t many surprises in a year where continuity and depth made only a few spots truly feel open to unseating the placeholder.

— Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
That focus on continuity is perhaps unsurprising given that Ternus, at 51, has spent 25 years climbing Apple’s corporate ladder.

— Sebastian Herrera, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of continuity

Noun

James Ratcliff spoke for the Farley Road Neighborhood Coalition, agreeing that a continuance is necessary because of the change in the occupancy limit count.

— Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026
His hearing, during which he was served a life sentence, occurred this month after the defense requested multiple continuances.

— Eleanor Jacobs, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026

Definition of continuance

Noun

Now, after more than 15 years in professional baseball, Berti is choosing to close the book on a career defined by persistence.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
The persistence of the nature gap The legacy of this history is heavily reflected in modern statistics.

— Kimmie Gordon, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of persistence

Noun

To pretend otherwise, to act as if survival in these conditions is simply beyond this group, underrates them but is fundamentally far too kind to them.

— Ben Jones, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Overall survival data, which will inform whether the combination treatment allows patients to live longer, were also not yet available.

— Mariam Sunny, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026