coexist

American  

[koh-ig-zist] / ˌkoʊ ɪgˈzɪst /

verb (used without object)

1. to exist together or at the same time.

2. to exist separately or independently but peaceably, often while remaining rivals or adversaries.

   Although their ideologies differ greatly, the two great powers must coexist.

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coexist British  

/ ˌkəʊɪɡˈzɪst /

verb

1. to exist together at the same time or in the same place

2. to exist together in peace

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Other Word Forms

• coexistence noun
• coexistent adjective

Etymology

Origin of coexist

First recorded in 1670–80; co- + exist

Explanation

To coexist is to live in the same place or at the same time. If you, your roommate, and a cat all live in an apartment together, you can say the three of you coexist. You can use the verb coexist to simply mean "exist together," or it can mean something more specific — to live peacefully or tolerantly in the same place. Two countries might have to work to find a way to coexist despite years of conflict, for example. The word has been around since the 1600's, but it wasn't used in this second, diplomatic way until 1931. Coexist combines exist, "be" or "live," with the prefix co, "together."

Example Sentences

This insight helps explain how magnetism and superconductivity can coexist in materials with strong directional properties like UTe2.

From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026

Where dinosaur tracks coexist beside spooky rows of barracks left from a 16th-century monastery, there’s a spectacular view of coastline all the way back to the white spires of Lisbon.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

For an island where finance and farming coexist, banknotes offer a quiet but revealing snapshot of how Jersey sees itself, its culture, and its priorities.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

Her experiences are almost mythic, like peering through the looking glass at a time when misery could actively coexist with unbridled bliss.

From Salon • Mar. 14, 2026

But I was able to coexist with it, thanks to Suzanne.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama