existentialist

1 of 2

noun

ex·​is·​ten·​tial·​ist ˌeg-(ˌ)zi-ˈsten(t)-shə-list How to pronounce existentialist (audio)
ˌek-(ˌ)si-
: an adherent of existentialism

existentialist

2 of 2

adjective

: of or relating to existentialism or existentialists
existentialistic adjective

Examples of existentialist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Noun
The existentialist philosophers argued that life doesn’t come with predefined meaning or fixed answers. Sigal Samuel, Vox, 3 Nov. 2024 The existentialist lyrics speak about the futility of material pursuits. Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 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 See all Example Sentences for existentialist 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of existentialist was in 1895

Dictionary Entries Near existentialist

Cite this Entry

“Existentialist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/existentialist. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on existentialist

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!