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 Colman Domingo says Euphoria season 3 is taking a long time because Sam Levinson is wrestling with existentialism. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2024 On the other end comes lair Said’s ‘Most People Die on Sundays,’ opening up a unique to its generation guidebook that reveals all there is to know about the highs and lows of millennial existentialism, delivered through sincere yet unprecedented humour. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 Apr. 2024 Their film tries to move beyond the haunting existentialism of good and evil to consider less glamorous, but still urgent themes of interplanetary dependence and sisterhood. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Nov. 2023 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, 6 Apr. 2023 See all Example Sentences for existentialism 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'existentialism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 2 Jul. 2024.

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