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
An existential moment for Iran’s regime The longer and more sustained any bombing campaign, the greater its limitations would be exposed.
—Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 31 Jan. 2026
In Khamenei’s worldview, normalizing relations with the United States has always been kryptonite, an existential threat to a regime whose identity was premised on resisting America.
—Karim Sadjadpour, The Atlantic, 31 Jan. 2026
Described as more of a tonal companion to The Worm than a direct continuation, The Answerers is equal parts existential thriller and absurdist comedy, exploring belief, delusion and the human need for meaning in an increasingly turbulent modern world.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 30 Jan. 2026
Amodei’s essay covers a lot of ground, from existential threats to fighting autocracy to saving jobs.
—Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for existential
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Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 31 Jan. 2026
In Khamenei’s worldview, normalizing relations with the United States has always been kryptonite, an existential threat to a regime whose identity was premised on resisting America.
—Karim Sadjadpour, The Atlantic, 31 Jan. 2026
Described as more of a tonal companion to The Worm than a direct continuation, The Answerers is equal parts existential thriller and absurdist comedy, exploring belief, delusion and the human need for meaning in an increasingly turbulent modern world.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 30 Jan. 2026
Amodei’s essay covers a lot of ground, from existential threats to fighting autocracy to saving jobs.
—Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 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 Feb. 2026.
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