Synonyms of existential

existential

adjective

ˌeg-(ˌ)zi-ˈsten(t)-shəl 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• empirical
• observational
• objective
• experimental
• experiential
• factual
• actual
• real
• genuine
• material
• undeniable
• indisputable
• accepted
• demonstrable
• established
• verifiable
• hard
• provable
• tried-and-true
• tried

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• theoretical
• hypothetical
• speculative
• conjectural
• nonempirical
• metaphysical
• unempirical
• unproven
• unsubstantiated
• visionary
• transcendentalist

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of existential

Becoming irrelevant is an existential threat that is rarely called out in a strategic plan. — Lynn Godfrey, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

It’s also lined with stories about the existential storms humanity has weathered before — in turn, teaching us how to survive the next one. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 10 July 2026

Luck…or Something is a raw album that closely examines married life and, well, existential dread? — Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 9 July 2026

The decision triggered swift backlash from Democratic lawmakers and created an existential—and potentially financial—crisis for the organization. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 9 July 2026