Crossword Genius

Existed in fewer examples (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

were

'existed' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'in fewer examples' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates a hidden word.
'WERE' is hidden in the letters of 'fewer examples'.

(Other definitions for were that I've seen before include "'Are, in the past (4)'" , "SECOND PART OF 9" , "Used to be" , "SECOND PART OF 14" , "(You/we/they) existed" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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