existentialism
noun
ex·is·ten·tial·ism
ˌeg-(ˌ)zi-ˈsten(t)-shə-ˌli-zəm 
ˌek-(ˌ)si-
: a chiefly 20th century philosophical movement embracing diverse doctrines but centering on analysis of individual existence in an unfathomable universe and the plight of the individual who must assume ultimate responsibility for acts of free will without any certain knowledge of what is right or wrong or good or bad
Examples of existentialism in a Sentence
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Let’s talk about French existentialism.
—
Brian Moylan, Vulture, 4 June 2026
Bimbo existentialism has been in, and this may well be its soundtrack.
—Spin Staff, SPIN, 1 June 2026
The result is a set of tracks that are earnest and exploratory, existentialism by way of a grocery list.
—Linnie Greene, Pitchfork, 21 Jan. 2026
The Ha-Ha can be read through lenses of Christian mysticism, absurdism, existentialism, or the Zen Buddhist conception of present-moment awareness as enlightenment.
—Literary Hub, 21 Nov. 2025
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Brian Moylan, Vulture, 4 June 2026
Bimbo existentialism has been in, and this may well be its soundtrack.
—Spin Staff, SPIN, 1 June 2026
The result is a set of tracks that are earnest and exploratory, existentialism by way of a grocery list.
—Linnie Greene, Pitchfork, 21 Jan. 2026
The Ha-Ha can be read through lenses of Christian mysticism, absurdism, existentialism, or the Zen Buddhist conception of present-moment awareness as enlightenment.
—Literary Hub, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for existentialism
Cite this Entry
“Existentialism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/existentialism. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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