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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Recent Examples of existential
Even if Salesforce delivers, there remains the problem that AI may pose an existential threat to some software firms.
—
Bernard Goyder, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026
Then circle back to the deeper, existential stuff.
—Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
There is probably an existential shock, and the profundity of that shock is probably not yet understood.
—Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 3 Feb. 2026
Each tale abounds with existential questions and turns the familiar eerie.
—Bekah Waalkes, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for existential
Bernard Goyder, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026
Then circle back to the deeper, existential stuff.
—Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
There is probably an existential shock, and the profundity of that shock is probably not yet understood.
—Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 3 Feb. 2026
Each tale abounds with existential questions and turns the familiar eerie.
—Bekah Waalkes, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for existential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for existential
Adjective
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Moreover, sociology is one of the best empirical fields for interrogating the consequences of different values, for how ideas get built into institutions, for how social networks operate across domains.—
Wendy Nelson Espeland,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Feb. 2026
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As countless empirical studies have confirmed, MA plans cost taxpayers far more than traditional Medicare despite spending far less on, and delivering worse outcomes for, patients.—
Marianne Pizzitola,
New York Daily News,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Some observational studies suggest that antidepressants are generally safe.—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Jan. 2026
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The observational research revealed that consistent heavy drinking over adulthood was linked to a higher risk of colorectal cancer, especially rectal cancer.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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McMahon’s rise is built on her own expertise and charisma, but may also indicate a widespread desire for a trusted teacher who can offer objective context and historical background in turbulent times.—
Jay Gabler,
Twin Cities,
4 Feb. 2026
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But when things go wrong or when an administration encourages ICE agents to push legal boundaries, an objective record becomes essential to holding those in power accountable.—
The Orlando Sentinel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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To keep the neurosphere running at peak efficiency, the team has streamlined its experimental process to produce new organoids, monitor existing ones 24/7, and maintain electrical stimulations.—
Matthew S Williams,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Feb. 2026
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Lilly has also started new studies of brenipatide — an experimental drug that mimics the same hormones as Zepbound — in tobacco use disorder, bipolar disorder and asthma.—
Bloomberg Wire,
Dallas Morning News,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Existential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/existential. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
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