existential

adjective

ˌeg-(ˌ)zi-ˈsten(t)-shəl How to pronounce existential (audio)
Definition of existentialnext
as in empirical
based on observation or experience child psychologist Bruno Bettelheim believed that fairy tales help children cope with their existential anxieties and dilemmas

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of existential In One Last Time, Iger returns to an entertainment industry beset by existential threats. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2026 These issues could be patched, but the underlying threat was existential. — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026 Pressure over Nile waters Egypt relies almost entirely on the Nile as a source of water for its population and agriculture and has called Ethiopia’s upstream dam an existential threat. — Khaled Kazziha, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026 Six games into a season that began with Super Bowl aspirations, the Los Angeles Rams are having existential crises instead. — ABC News, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for existential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for existential
  1. empirical
  2. observational
  3. objective
  4. experimental
Adjective
  • During high-temperature runs conducted in September, engineers collected new empirical data to evaluate core behavior under extreme heat.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The risks posed by obesity, however, are based on more empirical data.
    — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of empirical
Adjective
  • The Swedish polymath explores the sounds, language, and imagery of Americana on a drolly observational singer-songwriter album.
    — Harry Thorfinn-George, Pitchfork, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Mike Elliott, senior director of Banner Sports Medicine High Performance Center, told Banner Health that most of the available research is observational and shows association rather than direct cause.
    — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of observational
Adjective
  • While everyday Democrats threw their hands up in the air and wondered what on earth was happening, Garland’s Justice Department hemmed and hawed about staying impartial, objective, and neutral in the face of violent authoritarianism.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Ask for objective information that can be verified, rather than subjective advice, particularly in high-risk health contexts.
    — Robin Brewer, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of objective
Adjective
  • Unlike pure experimental rigs, Mark-1 is designed as a commercially representative plant.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Kerry Washington and Gemma Chan made the case for understated elegance, while Lauryn Hill and True Whitaker embraced a more experimental streak.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of experimental

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Cite this Entry

“Existential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/existential. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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