existential
adjective
ex·is·ten·tial
ˌeg-(ˌ)zi-ˈsten(t)-shəl 
ˌek-(ˌ)si-
1
: of, relating to, or affirming existence
existential propositions
2
a
: grounded in existence or the experience of existence : empirical
b
: having being in time and space
3
existentially
adverb
Examples of existential in a Sentence
child psychologist Bruno Bettelheim believed that fairy tales help children cope with their existential anxieties and dilemmas
Recent Examples on the Web
Weapons of mass destruction in the hands of the Iranian regime are an existential threat to the State of Israel and to the wider world.
—
Marin Scott, NBC news, 13 June 2025
Israel views the prospect of a nuclear-armed Iran as an existential threat.
—Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Many tech leaders like Zuckerberg believe AI represents an existential threat to their businesses.
—Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 10 June 2025
Then again, producers, an optimistic crew by trade and existential necessity, always have to be looking forward.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for existential
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Marin Scott, NBC news, 13 June 2025
Israel views the prospect of a nuclear-armed Iran as an existential threat.
—Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Many tech leaders like Zuckerberg believe AI represents an existential threat to their businesses.
—Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 10 June 2025
Then again, producers, an optimistic crew by trade and existential necessity, always have to be looking forward.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for existential
Cite this Entry
“Existential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/existential. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.
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