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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Even if Salesforce delivers, there remains the problem that AI may pose an existential threat to some software firms.
—
Bernard Goyder, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026
Then circle back to the deeper, existential stuff.
—Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
There is probably an existential shock, and the profundity of that shock is probably not yet understood.
—Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 3 Feb. 2026
Each tale abounds with existential questions and turns the familiar eerie.
—Bekah Waalkes, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for existential
Bernard Goyder, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026
Then circle back to the deeper, existential stuff.
—Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
There is probably an existential shock, and the profundity of that shock is probably not yet understood.
—Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 3 Feb. 2026
Each tale abounds with existential questions and turns the familiar eerie.
—Bekah Waalkes, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for existential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for existential
Adjective
-
Moreover, sociology is one of the best empirical fields for interrogating the consequences of different values, for how ideas get built into institutions, for how social networks operate across domains.—
Wendy Nelson Espeland,
Mercury News,
11 Feb. 2026
-
There is ample empirical data showing that TVOD and all streaming revenue are not materially enhanced at 17 or 30 days post-theatrical release compared to 45 or 60 days post-theatrical release.—
Joseph M. Singer,
Deadline,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Drinking two to three cups of coffee daily could reduce the risk of dementia, according to new observational research published in The Journal of the American Medical Association.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
10 Feb. 2026
-
In a long-term, observational study of nearly 132,000 healthy adults, daily consumption of two to three cups of caffeinated coffee or one to two cups of tea was associated with lowering dementia risk, slowing cognitive decline and preserving cognitive function.—
Lindsey Leake,
NBC news,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
McMahon’s rise is built on her own expertise and charisma, but may also indicate a widespread desire for a trusted teacher who can offer objective context and historical background in turbulent times.—
Jay Gabler,
Twin Cities,
4 Feb. 2026
-
But when things go wrong or when an administration encourages ICE agents to push legal boundaries, an objective record becomes essential to holding those in power accountable.—
The Orlando Sentinel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Moderna — Shares tumbled 6% after the pharma giant said the Food and Drug Administration refused to review its application for an experimental flu shot, mRNA-1010.—
Christina Cheddar Berk,
CNBC,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Many ideas that were rejected in the past receive new life upon a surprising new observation; many ideas that are accepted today will be overthrown when a key experimental result demonstrates its insufficiency.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Existential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/existential. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
