coexist

[ koh-ig-zist ]

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.

coexist

/ ˌkəʊɪɡˈzɪst /

verb

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

Derived Forms

• ˌcoexˈistent, adjective
• ˌcoexˈistence, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of coexist¹

First recorded in 1670–80; co- + exist

Example Sentences

Typically, closely related animal species have difficulty coexisting because they are competing for the same or similar resources.

From Science Daily

Different species of seabirds can coexist on small, isolated islands despite eating the same kind of fish.

From Science Daily

His victory has us wrestling with the question of how two such starkly different visions of the United States coexist.

From Los Angeles Times

The very rich and the very poor coexisting uncomfortably.

From Los Angeles Times

The fear is that various viruses could coexist in the body, swap genes, and produce a new strain that can more efficiently spread between people.

From Salon