# coexist

/ˌkoʊəɡˈzɪst/ (US) · /kˌəʊɛɡzˈɪst/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/coexist
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

to live or exist in the same place at the same time without fighting or causing problems.

For teachers: to exist together at the same time or in the same place, especially in a state of mutual tolerance or peace.

## Examples

- Different species of birds coexist peacefully in this forest.
- The two political parties must find a way to coexist if the new government is to function effectively.
- Historians often study how diverse religious groups managed to coexist within the empire for centuries despite significant cultural and theological differences.

## Usage notes

- The verb is intransitive and frequently takes the preposition 'with'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.