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
ˌeg-(ˌ)zi-ˌsten(t)-shə-ˈli-stik How to pronounce existentialist (audio)
adjective
existentialistically
ˌeg-(ˌ)zi-ˌsten(t)-shə-ˈli-sti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce existentialist (audio)
adverb

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
This is an existentialist play. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2026 That’s a profound, existentialist point, so the only possible follow-up is snacks. — Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 9 June 2026
Adjective
As Thornton is otherwise largely silent onstage, what’s going on inside the actor’s head while Reeves and Winter share droll, existentialist banter? — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 17 Dec. 2025 To escape a conversation that’s turning into a monologue on existentialist philosophy. — Washington Post, 14 Apr. 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

Rhymes for existentialist

See All Rhymes for existentialist

Browse Nearby Words

existentialism
existentialist
existentialize
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Existentialist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/existentialist. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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