hedonism

6 synonyms and 3 antonyms for hedonism, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — The pursuit of pleasure and enjoyment as the main aim of life, often with little regard for restraint or consequences.

Synonyms

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

self-indulgence pleasure-seeking sensualism epicureanism indulgence utilitarianism

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun

The pursuit of pleasure and enjoyment as the main aim of life, often with little regard for restraint or consequences.

“The resort sold a weekend of pure hedonism: no clocks, no plans, no rules.”

self-indulgence pleasure-seeking sensualism epicureanism indulgence

Opposites

asceticism abstinence self-denial

2. noun formal

In philosophy, the doctrine that pleasure is the highest good and that actions are right in so far as they produce it.

“Utilitarian thinkers built on a form of hedonism in which the greatest pleasure for the greatest number defines the good.”

utilitarianism epicureanism

How to use hedonism

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

pure hedonism a life of hedonism hedonism and excess unapologetic hedonism

Neutral in philosophy, but usually mildly disapproving in everyday use.

Etymology

From Greek hēdonē, meaning 'pleasure', with the suffix -ism.

Full origin of hedonism →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between hedonism and epicureanism?

Hedonism in its popular sense means chasing pleasure and intense enjoyment. Epicureanism, though technically a kind of hedonism, taught that the greatest pleasure comes from moderation, friendship and freedom from pain rather than indulgence. In practice the two words now point in almost opposite directions.

Is hedonism a negative word?

Usually, yes, in everyday English it carries a note of disapproval, suggesting excess and a lack of responsibility. In philosophical writing it is a neutral technical label for a family of ethical theories.

What is the opposite of hedonism?

Asceticism is the clearest opposite: the deliberate denial of pleasure and comfort, often for spiritual or moral reasons. Stoicism is also frequently contrasted with it, since it values self-control over enjoyment.

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