Synonyms for

Existing

Verb / ɪˈgzɪstɪŋ / Another word for existing — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Something that is currently in existence or happening.

Synonyms & similar words

nonexistent survive subsist live be existent exist current present ongoing alive surviving enduring surviving extant existent active functional working operative running established prevalent

Synonyms by register

Formal

current present actual operative

Informal

around here happening going on

Literary

enduring abiding ever-present

Antonyms

nonexistent hypothetical imaginary unreal fictional absent future

Common collocations

  • existing conditions
  • existing law
  • existing system
  • existing problem
  • existing structure
  • existing evidence
  • existing accounts

Word family

noun existence
verb exist
adverb existentially

Usage note

Often used to distinguish between what is currently the case and what is proposed or potential. Can sometimes be redundant if the context already implies existence.

Example sentences

  1. The elephant herd has been existing in this forest for years.
  2. The existing system needs to be updated.
  3. The company is struggling to compete with existing businesses.
  4. The existing regulations need revision.
  5. The building was demolished to make way for the existing structure.

Quotes

  • We are not living in an existing world, we are creating it.
  • The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.
  • The only way to do great work is to love what you do.

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