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existentially

American  
[eg-zi-sten-shuh-lee, ek-si-] / ˌɛg zɪˈstɛn ʃə li, ˌɛk sɪ- /

adverb

  1. in a way that is part of the very existence of a particular person or thing; inherently.

  2. in a way that affects or relates to existence, especially as a challenge or threat; in an existential way.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

These locations often involve an encounter with atmospheres that feel emotionally, symbolically or existentially charged.

From Science Daily Jul. 26, 2026

But if feeling existentially threatened, Tehran could pressure the group to join the fray.

From The Wall Street Journal Mar. 21, 2026

Prof Jon Butterworth of University College London, described the level of cuts as "existentially threatening" to UK particle physics.

From BBC Mar. 17, 2026

“In an environment where the geoeconomic stability of the Western alliance is being disrupted existentially, it is not clear why Europeans would be as willing to play this part,” he continued.

From Barron's Jan. 24, 2026

There was this tunnel that these two kids kept crawling through over and over and they never seemed to get tired, which made me think of Augustus Waters and the existentially fraught free throws.

From "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green

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