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

So Germany is left with questions, many of which feel existential. — Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 8 Sep. 2026

The invisibility offered a protective cloak, allowing his existential confessionals to develop free of the expectations placed upon Sage Elsesser, pro skateboarder. — Jeff Weiss, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026

Instead, Beijing believes that competition can be effectively managed without presenting an existential threat. — Da Wei, Foreign Affairs, 7 Sep. 2026

The purchase of a simple birthday cake for their son can become an existential dilemma — not because of the price but because of other forms of humiliation that lie in wait around the act. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2026