existentialist

1 of 2

noun

ex·​is·​ten·​tial·​ist ˌeg-(ˌ)zi-ˈsten(t)-shə-list How to pronounce existentialist (audio)
ˌek-(ˌ)si-
: an adherent of existentialism

existentialist

2 of 2

adjective

: of or relating to existentialism or existentialists
existentialistic adjective

Examples of existentialist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
An amoral existentialist whose backstory becomes clear late in the going, Danny is a former mercenary soldier. Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 8 Dec. 2025 The mountain in Morocco is existentialist. Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 12 Nov. 2025
Adjective
The contrast between the Vietnamese who humped through rice paddies documenting their own country’s existentialist struggle, and the foreigners who flew around on helicopters and were given US military ranks adds emotional depth and historical nuance. Literary Hub, 19 Dec. 2025 As Thornton is otherwise largely silent onstage, what’s going on inside the actor’s head while Reeves and Winter share droll, existentialist banter? Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 17 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for existentialist

Word History

Etymology

Noun

existential + -ist entry 1

Adjective

existential + -ist entry 2

First Known Use

Noun

1930, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1895, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of existentialist was in 1895

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Cite this Entry

“Existentialist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/existentialist. Accessed 22 Dec. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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