existentialism
noun
ex·is·ten·tial·ism
| \ ˌeg-(ˌ)zi-ˈsten(t)-shə-ˌli-zəm
, ˌek-(ˌ)si-\
, ˌek-(ˌ)si-\
Definition of existentialism
: 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
During a discussion of existentialism and determinism that Rob was ingeniously weaving into the story through one of the hitmen, Raymond, who also taught a course in philosophy, brought new insights into the philosophical analysis. — Kareem Abdul-jabbar, The Hollywood Reporter, "Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: What I Learned Writing for 'Veronica Mars'," 15 Aug. 2019 Sawyer is interested in existentialism, reading the works of philosophers Friedrich Nietzsche and Albert Camus. — Karina Bland, azcentral, "Maybe he's too old for his Buzz costume, but there's still infinity and beyond," 14 July 2019 A few minutes of this kind of moody existentialism here and there can add flavor to a stylish genre picture. — Noel Murray, latimes.com, "Reviews: Gary Oldman in ‘Killers Anonymous’; plus ‘The 16th Episode’ and more," 27 June 2019 Antonin Artaud worked mescaline’s effects into surrealism, Jean-Paul Sartre into existentialism. — The Economist, "A mind-bending history of mescaline," 28 June 2019 This adage comes from Soren Kierkegaard, a Danish philosopher, poet, theologian and the founder of existentialism. — kansascity, "Jean Paul Bradshaw," 30 June 2018 This adage comes from Soren Kierkegaard, a Danish philosopher, poet, theologian and the founder of existentialism. — kansascity, "Jean Paul Bradshaw," 30 June 2018 This adage comes from Soren Kierkegaard, a Danish philosopher, poet, theologian and the founder of existentialism. — kansascity, "Jean Paul Bradshaw," 30 June 2018 This adage comes from Soren Kierkegaard, a Danish philosopher, poet, theologian and the founder of existentialism. — kansascity, "Jean Paul Bradshaw," 30 June 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'existentialism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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