survivalist

noun

sur·​viv·​al·​ist sər-ˈvī-və-list 

: a person who advocates or practices survivalism

especially : one who has prepared to survive in the anarchy of an anticipated breakdown of society

survivalist adjective

Examples of survivalist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Tracker, based on the bestselling novel The Never Game by Jeffery Deaver, stars Justin Hartley as Colter Shaw, a lone-wolf survivalist who driven by the troubles of his past, uses his instincts to find the missing and collect rewards. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 26 Mar. 2026

Aujay was a survivalist, an experienced runner, and a self-efficient outdoorsman. —Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 21 Mar. 2026

Over the years the acclaimed filmmaker has immersed himself in different worlds—Scientology, swinging, the Westboro Baptist Church, and survivalists in rural America—always with his signature calm curiosity. —Fleurine Tideman, Glamour, 13 Mar. 2026

Naked and Afraid is both one of the crudest and most fascinating survivalist shows streaming at the moment. —Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for survivalist

• revivalist