Dictionary-enhanced synonyms
Synonyms for “Exist” — 4 Other Ways to Say It
to be real and present; to have existence
Meaning of Exist
to be real or present in a place or time; to occur or be found in reality
How to Pronounce Exist
IPA: /ɪɡˈzɪst/ Stress: oO
Stress the second syllable: ig-ZIST. The x sounds like a z.
4 Synonyms for Exist — Words Similar to Exist
Browse alternative words with their meaning, level, and a real example sentence so you pick the synonym that fits your context.
be
/biː/to exist as a person, thing, or quality; shows what something is or how it is
Example: She is a teacher in the school.
occur
/əˈkɜːr/When something happens at a particular time.
Example: The accident occurred at midnight yesterday.
remain
/rɪˈmeɪn/Stay in one place or keep being the same.
Example: She remained calm during the problem.
persist
/pərˈsɪst/To keep doing something even when it is difficult or others say to stop.
Example: If you persist with your studies, you will eventually succeed.
Smart Synonyms for Exist — When to Use Each
persist
when describing something that continues existing over a
remain
when you emphasize something staying in one place
How to Use Exist and Its Synonyms in Sentences
- Dinosaurs existed millions of years ago on Earth. A2
- Does life exist on other planets? A2
- Many endangered species barely exist in the wild anymore. B1
Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Exist
What is another word for "exist"?
Common synonyms for "exist" include: be, occur, remain, persist.
What can I say instead of "exist"?
Try one of these alternatives: be, occur, remain, persist. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.
Is "exist" formal or informal?
"exist" is generally used in neutral contexts.
When should I use "exist" instead of "be"?
Use "exist" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "be" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.