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

In Florstadt, automated procedures coexist with manual handling at fixed workstations, such as preparing a single contact lens ordered by an optician for a specific patient for further shipping.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

Real radicalism is accepting the discomfort; it’s acknowledging that two or more things can coexist, and addressing all of those facets at once, even if the result isn’t perfect.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

The naval gathering was itself a relic of an earlier age, when rival militaries could coexist in the security of a global order that gave priority to stability above all else.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026

That would spell the end of everything, unless the Mud People had learned to coexist with other species.

From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer