existent

adjective

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

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 Choudhary said that chronic stress can even exacerbate already existent gastrointestinal issues, including irritable bowel syndrome. Claretta Bellamy, NBC News, 4 Oct. 2023 As for other perceptions that were proven to be either misguided or no longer existent during this series, how about this one, the notion that Tatum and Jaylen Brown don’t bring out the best in each other. Chad Finn, BostonGlobe.com, 15 May 2023 In Cornwall and Devon, two of the most popular beach destinations in the UK, one in eight monitors at bathing destinations is either non-existent or not working, according to analysis of Environment Agency data by the Liberal Democrats political party. Julia Buckley, CNN, 27 Aug. 2022 In other words, specialized personal care services with a national footprint were minimal, if not non-existent. Brin Snelling, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2023 Diplomatic relations between the three countries — which resulted in the successful suspension of the North’s nuclear program as negotiated by former U.S. President Donald Trump — have stalled, and peace talks are non-existent under President Biden. Lawrence Richard, Fox News, 14 Mar. 2023 The Cowboys had four blocks and the Sooners were non-existent in the paint. Andrew Tineo, Dallas News, 8 Mar. 2023 Brief protests were snuffed out by police at the start of the war and now are all but non-existent. Patrick Reevell, ABC News, 24 Feb. 2023 It’s been by necessity and the chemistry that comes from having a veteran-laden team has been non-existent. Dallas News, 14 Feb. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'existent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near existent

Cite this Entry

“Existent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/existent. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

existent

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

More from Merriam-Webster on existent

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