hedonistic

adjective

he·​do·​nis·​tic ˌhē-də-ˈni-stik How to pronounce hedonistic (audio)
Synonyms of hedonisticnext
: devoted to the pursuit of pleasure : of, relating to, or characterized by hedonism
a hedonistic lifestyle
a city known for its wild, hedonistic nightlife
The unabashedly hedonistic Allen pursued the good life for two or three years after leaving Microsoft.David Kirkpatrick
This tiny European island will give you a taste of the fabled hedonistic decadence of the Roman Empire.Lauren Malaika Cooper
hedonistically adverb
living hedonistically

Examples of hedonistic in a Sentence

a hedonistic lifestyle a city known for its hedonistic nightlife
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The film pulls the audience onto the dance floor of the hedonistic nightclub Downtown in Amsterdam, where Ronnie and Lennart spend most of their nights. Leo Barraclough, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026 Amidst the hedonistic glamour of 1980s excess, the personal lives of our Rutshire heroes spiral into chaos. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2026 Despite its hedonistic reputation—or, rather, in tandem with its hedonistic reputation—electroclash was a way to fight oppression with the power of sounding super, super gay. Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 16 Apr. 2026 For example, Cheek cites research that connects altruistic behavior and a sense of purpose with reduced inflammation, as opposed to hedonistic pursuits, which can worsen inflammation. Keith Wagstaff, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hedonistic

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hedonistic was in 1866

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Cite this Entry

“Hedonistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hedonistic. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

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