1. Plural of existentialist; philosophers or thinkers who believe that individual existence precedes essence and that people are free to create their own meaning and values.
Usage: Often refers to 20th-century philosophers such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir; Can also refer to followers or advocates of existentialist philosophy
2. People who embrace existentialist ideas in their personal lives, emphasizing personal freedom, responsibility, and the creation of individual meaning.
Usage: Broader usage beyond academic philosophy

Examples

• The existentialists rejected the idea that human nature is predetermined.
• Sartre and Camus were among the most famous existentialists of the 20th century.
• Many existentialists argue that we are condemned to be free.
• The existentialists emphasized personal responsibility and authentic choice.
• Young artists and writers were drawn to existentialist ideas in post-war Paris.
• Existentialists believe that existence comes before essence.