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

As a thought leader in existential psychology and human motivation, Clay translates research into practical insights that help people reach their full potential, build meaningful lives, and advance human progress and flourishing. — Big Think, 6 Aug. 2026

Solutions to existential issues like this cannot be successful without the active participation of all stakeholders. — Harvey Levine, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026

Pro-Kremlin politicians accuse the West of trying to destabilise Russia and say that some censorship is necessary to safeguard national unity at a time when Moscow is locked in an existential struggle with Ukraine and the West. — Reuters, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026

And the existential questions that death tends to open, the ones usually answered through religion or community, felt easier too. — Sai Rajagopal, STAT, 4 Aug. 2026