preexist

or pre-ex·ist

[ pree-ig-zist ]
/ ˌpri ɪgˈzɪst /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR preexist ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used without object)

to exist beforehand.
to exist in a previous state.

verb (used with object)

to exist prior to (something or someone else); precede: primitive artifacts that preexisted sophisticated tools.

Origin of preexist

First recorded in 1590–1600; pre- + exist

OTHER WORDS FROM preexist

pre·ex·ist·ence, noun pre·ex·ist·ent, adjective

Words nearby preexist

preestablish, preestablished harmony, preexcitation, preexcitation syndrome, preexilian, preexist, preexposure, pref., prefab, prefabricate, preface

Words related to preexist

predate, foreshadow, anticipate, presage, outrank, head, harbinger, lead, pioneer, time, introduce, herald, pace, scout, usher, rank, preface, antedate, guide, antecede

Example sentences from the Web for preexist