existentialism

noun

ex·​is·​ten·​tial·​ism ˌeg-(ˌ)zi-ˈsten(t)-shə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce existentialism (audio)
ˌek-(ˌ)si-
: a chiefly 20th century philosophical movement embracing diverse doctrines but centering on analysis of individual existence in an unfathomable universe and the plight of the individual who must assume ultimate responsibility for acts of free will without any certain knowledge of what is right or wrong or good or bad

Examples of existentialism 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.
Russian Doll — which Lyonne also created, produced, wrote, and occasionally directed — finds a perfect blend of sci-fi existentialism and sharp comedy thanks to her no-nonsense performance. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 26 June 2025 The big storylines from the opening round of group matches at the Club World Cup were the uneven pace of play, which ranged from ‘pre-season friendly’ to ‘World Cup final’ depending on the fixture, and existentialism prompted by the awkward sight of some half-empty stadiums. Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 20 June 2025 Aspects of existentialism can also be found in much older sources revered in European intellectual traditions, such as the biblical books of Ecclesiastes and Job and the thinking of Greek Cynics such as Diogenes. Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 1 June 2025 If only the film had the discipline to dial back on some of its thematic ambitions around romance, action, comedy and existentialism, and knew how to quit while ahead. Tomris Laffly, Variety, 18 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for existentialism

Word History

Etymology

existential + -ism, in part as translation of German Existentialismus (or Existenzialismus) or French existentialisme

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of existentialism was in 1941

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Existentialism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/existentialism. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on existentialism

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!