existentialist

1 of 2

noun

ex·​is·​ten·​tial·​ist ˌeg-(ˌ)zi-ˈsten(t)-shə-list 

ˌek-(ˌ)si-

: an adherent of existentialism

existentialist

2 of 2

adjective

: of or relating to existentialism or existentialists

existentialistic

ˌeg-(ˌ)zi-ˌsten(t)-shə-ˈli-stik 

adjective

existentialistically

ˌeg-(ˌ)zi-ˌsten(t)-shə-ˈli-sti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of existentialist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In fact, her books are much more grounded in the realities and uncertainties of everyday life than some of her existentialist contemporaries. —Hazlitt, 2 Oct. 2024

Sean Illing Is there something about the historical Black experience that informs or expands existentialist philosophy? —Sean Illing, Vox, 6 July 2024

Adjective

By most philosophical accounts, especially those rooted in existentialist principles, anxiety is an intricate mood that entails not only awareness of the future but also a refined sense of self. —Time, 28 Dec. 2022

In the telling of Camus, whose works became a wellspring of existentialist philosophy, Caligula recognizes the utter meaningless of his sadistic hold on all around him, and allows the machinations that lead to his assassination to proceed unimpeded. —Laura Kingstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 30 Nov. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Noun

existential + -ist entry 1

Adjective

existential + -ist entry 2

First Known Use

Noun

1930, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1895, in the meaning defined above