existentialism

noun

: 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

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The best way to enjoy Sorrentino’s vision is to perhaps ponder the existentialism about all the imagery. Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 13 Feb. 2025 Kramer’s curiosity about such questions and her game cast’s ability to key into her twee existentialism make for a fascinating if eventually quite trying proposition. Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 8 Feb. 2025 Businesses and technology leaders envisioning what superintelligent agents could mean for their organizations may require entirely rethinking business models, macroeconomics, and even existentialism and mortality. Douglas B. Laney, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025 The whole experience felt like an extended course in French existentialism. Ivan Krastev, The Atlantic, 3 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near existentialism

Cite this Entry

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

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