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

The drugs present an existential threat to the US’ largest grocery seller. — Shelly Banjo, semafor.com, 15 Sep. 2026

Researchers have called for a slowdown of AI development and warned for years that the technology could pose existential risks to humanity. — ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026

In recent days, warnings and risks surrounding AI have taken an existential turn. — September 14, NPR, 14 Sep. 2026

The governor’s effective yield to Harris diminishes the possibility of a showdown between two of California’s most powerful political figures in an election whose stakes are viewed by the Democratic Party as existential. — Justine McDaniel, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026