existential
adjective
ex·is·ten·tial
ˌeg-(ˌ)zi-ˈsten(t)-shəl 
ˌek-(ˌ)si-
1
: of, relating to, or affirming existence
existential propositions
an existential crisis
the existential threat of climate change
2
a
: grounded in existence or the experience of existence : empirical
existential phenomenology
b
: having being in time and space
… abstractions, ideal gauges without claim to existential reality …—
W. Wolfgang Holdheim
W. Wolfgang Holdheim3
: concerned with or involving human existence or its nature : existentialist
an existential novel
existentially
adverb
Synonyms of existential
Examples of existential in a Sentence
child psychologist Bruno Bettelheim believed that fairy tales help children cope with their existential anxieties and dilemmas
Recent Examples on the Web
Today, as the company’s ninth CEO in its 102-year history takes the reins, Josh D’Amaro is forced to navigate his own existential crisis brought about by an emerging technology—artificial intelligence.
—Roland Betancourt, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026
The old-school toys, now owned by 8-year-old Bonnie, face an existential threat with the introduction of a high-tech tablet toy named Lilypad (Greta Lee) that takes up most of the girl's attention.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Gleib’s move beyond the traditional network confines of late-night talk shows comes at a moment of existential crisis for the format, with the forthcoming end of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert being just one major illustration.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 27 Apr. 2026
The trial’s outcome could sway the balance of power in AI — breakthrough technology that is increasingly being feared as a potential job killer and an existential threat to humanity’s survival.
—Michael Liedtke, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for existential
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Roland Betancourt, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026
The old-school toys, now owned by 8-year-old Bonnie, face an existential threat with the introduction of a high-tech tablet toy named Lilypad (Greta Lee) that takes up most of the girl's attention.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Gleib’s move beyond the traditional network confines of late-night talk shows comes at a moment of existential crisis for the format, with the forthcoming end of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert being just one major illustration.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 27 Apr. 2026
The trial’s outcome could sway the balance of power in AI — breakthrough technology that is increasingly being feared as a potential job killer and an existential threat to humanity’s survival.
—Michael Liedtke, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for existential
Cite this Entry
“Existential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/existential. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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