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 Religion, Parker suggested, serves as a bridge between the nomos and the cosmos, connecting everyday life to deeper, existential questions. — Kalpana Jain, The Conversation, 6 July 2026 Older students and professionals face an existential struggle to find a job, according to Yahya Alhamarna, a 24-year-old author displaced in Gaza City. — Sana Noor Haq, CNN Money, 5 July 2026 Cherokee leaders frame the project as an existential response to surging opioid deaths in rural communities, aiming to protect language and future generations from addiction’s toll. — Sarah Liese, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026 This comes at a time when existential fiscal anxiety has been plaguing Americans. — Sean Conlon, CNBC, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for existential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for existential
  1. empirical
  2. observational
  3. objective
  4. experimental
Adjective
  • No paraprofessional is involved, and while this model isn’t for every child or parent, there is good empirical support for this approach.
    — Doreen Samelson, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • When the director of a passion play offered to nail Bautista to a cross in the name of empirical authenticity, the anthropologist declined.
    — H.M.A. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 10 July 2026
Definition of empirical
Adjective
  • While the mission was designed with dark energy, dark matter, and exoplanets in mind, Roman’s unprecedented observational capability will offer practically limitless opportunities for astronomers to explore all kinds of cosmic topics.
    — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 July 2026
  • Discuss Hidden Factors Instead Of Selling Features In high-trust industries, skepticism usually decreases when the conversation becomes less transactional and more observational.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of observational
Adjective
  • This approach ensures objective alignment, compliance, and the ability for autonomous workflows to complement existing processes.
    — Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • This is informed by our player ratings model, which provides an objective assessment of each player’s contribution in a match.
    — Liam Twomey, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of objective
Adjective
  • To verify what was happening inside the material, the team combined several experimental techniques.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 5 July 2026
  • All three have released solo albums that further expand their palettes, moving into ambient (Vida), experimental (Stardrum), and singer/songwriter (Epstein) realms.
    — Reed Jackson, SPIN, 3 July 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 14 Jul. 2026.

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