Definition of existential
Short definition: The word existential means relating to human existence, life choices, and the meaning of being alive. People use it to describe deep thoughts, worries, or questions about purpose, identity, and what truly matters in life.
Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word existential? The word existential is often used when talking about deep questions related to life, purpose, and human existence. You may hear it in conversations about personal identity, life choices, or moments when people seriously reflect on who they are and why they are here. Below, each meaning is explained in a natural and human way, so it feels thoughtful but still easy to understand.
Forms: existential
Related: existence n., existentialism n.
Syllable: ex-is-ten-tial
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Related to life, being, and human existence.
Existential describes anything that is connected to the fact of being alive. It often appears when people talk about life’s big questions, such as meaning, identity, freedom, and responsibility. These are the kinds of thoughts that make people stop and really think about their place in the world.
She asked herself some existential questions about her future.The movie explores existential themes about life and purpose.Late-night talks often turn into deep existential discussions.Synonyms: life-related, existence-focused, being-centered, philosophical, meaning-driven, identity-focused, human-condition related, reflective, deep-thinking, purpose-related, soul-searching, self-questioning
Antonyms: superficial, shallow, trivial, meaningless, lighthearted, casual, thoughtless, unreflective, surface-level, careless, simple-minded, indifferent -
Causing deep worry about the meaning of life.
Existential can also describe a feeling of deep concern or anxiety about life and one’s role in it. People talk about “existential fear” or “existential crisis” when they suddenly question their purpose, direction, or identity.
Losing his job led to an existential crisis.She felt an existential fear about the future.The sudden change caused existential doubts.Synonyms: life-questioning, identity-shaking, deeply worrying, soul-searching, purpose-doubting, meaning-crisis related, inner-conflict driven, deeply reflective, life-direction questioning, self-doubt heavy, emotionally searching, inner-struggle related
Antonyms: confident, carefree, certain, emotionally secure, sure of purpose, stable-minded, settled, calm-hearted, content, peaceful, relaxed, self-assured -
Connected to philosophy about human freedom and choice.
In philosophy, existential often refers to ideas about freedom, responsibility, and personal choice. It highlights how people create meaning through their actions instead of following fixed rules set by others.
The book discusses existential philosophy.She enjoys reading existential writers.His speech had a strong existential message.Synonyms: freedom-focused, choice-centered, philosophy-driven, human-agency related, responsibility-based, self-determination oriented, meaning-creating, personal-choice focused, reflective thought, life-philosophy based, value-driven, identity-centered
Antonyms: rule-bound, tradition-focused, authority-driven, rigid-thinking, system-centered, unreflective, automatic, unquestioning, controlled-minded, fixed-belief based, obedience-driven, passive-minded -
Describing a serious or heavy mood.
Sometimes existential is used to describe a mood or atmosphere that feels serious, deep, and emotional. It can describe art, music, or conversations that focus on life’s deeper side.
The song has an existential tone.Their conversation turned existential late at night.The film creates an existential mood.Synonyms: serious-toned, deep-feeling, reflective-mood, emotional-heavy, thoughtful, soul-searching, meaning-focused, intense-feeling, inward-looking, philosophical-tone, heavy-hearted, serious-minded
Antonyms: lighthearted, cheerful, playful, funny, carefree, humorous, upbeat, relaxed, joyful, easygoing, casual, fun-loving -
A word that highlights how real life can feel overwhelming.
In everyday speech, people sometimes use existential to describe moments that suddenly make life feel intense or overwhelming. It becomes a way to say that a small event triggered very big thoughts and feelings.
That simple question turned into an existential moment.A quiet night alone led to existential thinking.The unexpected change caused an existential reaction.Synonyms: life-shaking moment, deep-thinking trigger, emotional awakening, soul-searching time, identity-reflecting moment, meaning-seeking experience, inner-turning point, awareness-shift moment, deep-emotion event, reflective experience, serious life moment, thought-provoking time
Antonyms: ordinary moment, casual feeling, light experience, everyday thought, shallow reaction, simple moment, carefree response, routine feeling, normal experience, plain emotion, surface-level thought, relaxed moment