16 Synonyms for Live | Another Word for Live (With Examples)

You use the word “live” every day, but did you know there are many other simple words that mean the same thing? Words like "exist," "dwell," and "stay" all help you say "live" in a new way. Whether you’re writing a story, talking with friends, or just learning English, these words will help. This guide will show you 16 of the best and easiest synonyms for "live," with real-life examples. Each word is explained in a friendly way, like you’re chatting with someone.

1. Exist

Exist means to be alive or to be real. If something exists, it is present in the world or in a place. You can use it when you are talking about living things or even ideas. "Dinosaurs no longer exist today." It's also a nice word to use when talking about just being. For example, "He just wants to exist in peace." This word is simple and often used in science, books, or everyday conversation. It’s a more thoughtful and quiet way of saying "live," especially when talking about life itself.

2. Survive

Survive means to keep living even when things are hard. It can mean living through danger, sickness, or a hard time. "The plant survived the cold winter." You can also use it to talk about people making it through a hard event. "She survived a bad car accident." This word shows strength and hope. It's about continuing to live, even when things are not easy. Use "survive" when you want to show someone or something kept living, even when they had to fight to stay alive.

3. Dwell

Dwell means to live in a place, usually for a long time. It’s a gentle word that sounds calm. People often use it in books or nature stories. "They dwell in a small cottage near the forest." You might also see it in older stories or poems. It feels peaceful and soft. "The family dwelled by the lake for many years." While not used in speaking as much today, it's still a lovely word to describe where someone lives. It makes homes sound cozy and full of life.

4. Reside

Reside is a formal word that means to live in a place. You can use it when you want to sound polite or official. "She resides in New York City." This word is often used on forms or in writing. It means the same as "live," but with a more serious tone. "They have resided in the same house for over 20 years." You can use this word to talk about where someone lives, especially when you want to sound more proper. It's perfect for letters or reports too.

5. Inhabit

Inhabit means to live in a place, especially by people, animals, or creatures. You often hear it in nature shows or science books. "Bears inhabit the mountains." It makes a place sound alive with creatures. "Many fish inhabit the coral reef." This word is great for talking about groups of living things and where they stay. It sounds a little fancy but is very useful when talking about who or what lives in a place. It brings a nice image to your mind of a place full of life.

6. Occupy

Occupy means to live in or fill a space. You can use it to say someone is living in a home, room, or area. "They occupy the top floor of the building." It's also used when something is being used or taken up. "The kids occupy the living room with toys." This word is useful when you want to say someone or something is inside a space or using it. It can be about living there or just staying there for some time. It's easy to use and understand.

7. Remain

Remain means to stay or keep being in one place. It can mean living in one area and not moving. "He remained in the small town after everyone else left." It also can mean staying alive or staying the same. "Only a few flowers remained after the storm." This word is helpful when talking about people or things that continue to live or stay where they are. It gives a quiet feeling of stillness or not changing. It's a simple and kind word to use in many situations.

8. Stay

Stay means to keep being in a place for a while. It's a common and easy word. "We stayed at Grandma's house for a week." You can use it to talk about people living in a place for a short or long time. "She stayed in the same city her whole life." It's great for simple conversation or writing. Stay also shows comfort, safety, or choosing not to move. It's a warm, friendly word that works for homes, hotels, and places where people rest or live.

9. Endure

Endure means to keep going or living through hard times. It shows strength and patience. "They endured the long, cold winter." It doesn't just mean live—it means live even when life is hard. "She endured pain and sadness but never gave up." This word is strong and hopeful. It's used when talking about tough people or things that last a long time. Endure is a great word to show someone keeps living and being strong even when they face hard things in life.

10. Persist

Persist means to keep going and not stop, even when things are difficult. It shows a lot of strength and heart. "The little flower persisted through the dry season." It's not just about living, but about fighting to live. "He persisted in his dream to live in a new country." This word makes you think of someone who won't give up. Persist is a powerful word and helps describe life that doesn't quit. It's great for showing people or things that continue on and live with great effort.

11. Thrive

Thrive means to live well and grow strong. It's not just staying alive—it means living with joy, health, and success. "The baby plants thrived in the sunshine." Thrive is a happy word that shows life is going great. "She thrived in her new home with kind neighbors." This word works well when people or animals are not only alive, but doing really well. It brings a smile because it means things are going right. Use "thrive" when you want to show life at its best.

12. Breathe

Breathe means to take in air, which living things must do to stay alive. So, to breathe is to live. "As long as he could breathe, he would keep going." It's also a quiet way to say someone is alive and calm. "She breathed deeply, enjoying the fresh mountain air." Breathe is a peaceful and gentle word. It's great when writing poems, peaceful scenes, or slow, quiet moments. It reminds us that even something as simple as air is part of life.

13. Subsist

Subsist means to live, especially when living with very little. It's often used when someone lives with just enough to survive. "They subsisted on bread and water during the trip." It sounds more serious or simple. "The animals subsist in the wild by eating what they can find." This word is useful when talking about basic living, without extras. It shows a hard but possible kind of life. People and animals who subsist are strong, even if they have little. It's a respectful word for simple living.

14. Linger

Linger means to stay a little longer or to continue living gently. It gives a soft feeling, like not wanting to go yet. "The smell of flowers lingered in the air." You can use it for people too. "He lingered at the party, not ready to leave." It's also used when someone is sick or tired but still alive. Linger adds a sense of time moving slowly. It's a lovely word to describe quiet, slow moments of life or someone who is still living after many others have gone.

15. Flourish

Flourish means to grow and live in a strong, happy, and successful way. It's like thrive, and it gives a picture of life blooming. "The garden flourished with colorful flowers." It's also used for people doing well. "She flourished in her new job and made many friends." Flourish makes things sound alive and full of energy. It's the perfect word when things are not only alive, but also doing wonderfully. This word makes life feel exciting, bright, and joyful. Use it when things grow, shine, and do well.

16. Be

Be is the simplest word on this list. It means to exist, to live, to be alive or present. It's used in many ways every day. "To be alive is a gift." You can also use it in thoughts and wishes. "She just wants to be happy and safe." Be is short but powerful. It shows life in its simplest form. Sometimes, being is enough—just living, just breathing, just being yourself. It's a tiny word, but one that holds so much meaning about life and living.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are many ways to say “live” that can make your writing and talking more fun and clear. Whether someone endures, thrives, or simply exists, each word brings its own feeling. Learning these synonyms helps you say things in new and better ways. Use them in your stories, talks, or writing to make your words come alive. Each of these words shows a different side of life, and now you know just how to use them.