Five studies (total valid N = 1,781, primarily young adults from China, with one study involving residents of the United States) were conducted to investigate the link between relationship modes (exchange vs. communal) and meaning in life. Study 1 revealed significant associations among relationship modes, dehumanization, and meaning in life. Studies 2, 3a, and 3b showed that the priming of an exchange (vs. communal) mode led to lower meaning in life, with this effect mediated by the experience of dehumanization. Moreover, Study 3a also found that individuals with higher (vs. lower) relational-interdependent self-construal were more prone to feel dehumanized in exchange relationships. In Study 4, a causal relation between the experience of dehumanization and meaning in life was confirmed through a manipulation of dehumanization. The studies illustrate how relationship modes may influence our existence as human beings and shed light on the improvement of human experience and meaning in life.