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

The Jerash site shows that both patterns can coexist.

From Science Daily • Apr. 23, 2026

These circumstances don’t contradict each other — they coexist and they hurt.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

The Qatari prime minister’s adviser, Majed Al Ansari, said Tuesday that Iran will remain a neighbor and therefore a way to coexist must be found, making it important to find a negotiated solution.

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

Institutional dourness and cheerful domesticity coexist on the fourth floor of the Finney County Courthouse.

From "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote