bacchanalia
/ˌbækəˈneɪliə/
NOUN
1. A wild and excessive party or celebration
A noisy, uninhibited, and extravagant celebration characterized by excessive drinking, feasting, dancing, and unrestrained enjoyment.
1.1. Wild parties and drunken revelry
Used to describe an unusually wild celebration involving excessive drinking, uninhibited behavior, and extravagant entertainment.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- moderation
Examples
- The ancient city's plaza transformed into a scene of revelry during the annual bacchanalia celebration.
- The historical novel vividly described the decadent costumes and wild dances at the grand bacchanalia.
- As night fell, the masked masquerade ball turned into a delightful and chaotic bacchanalia.
- The weekend gathering eventually became a wild bacchanalia that continued until dawn.
Related Words
- carousing
- intoxication
- inebriation
- debauchery
- dissipation
- overindulgence
- excess
- reveler
- roisterer
1.2. Extravagant social gatherings and festivities
Used more broadly for exceptionally lively, elaborate, or extravagant social events involving large gatherings, entertainment, food, music, and celebration, even when excessive drinking is not the main focus.
Synonyms
Examples
- The masked masquerade became an extravagant bacchanalia attended by hundreds of guests.
- The annual festival developed into a spectacular bacchanalia filled with music and dancing.
- The organizers planned a grand bacchanalia to celebrate the successful completion of the project.
Related Words
1.3. Excessive indulgence and uncontrolled enjoyment
Used to emphasize excessive pleasure-seeking, self-indulgence, and unrestrained behavior, particularly when celebrations or social activities become extravagant or uncontrolled.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The wealthy aristocrats became known for their bacchanalia and extravagant lifestyle.
- The novel portrays a society consumed by bacchanalia and excessive self-indulgence.
- Their endless bacchanalia eventually resulted in financial difficulties and social criticism.
Related Words
- self-indulgence
- intemperance
- extravagance
- decadence
- dissoluteness
- excessiveness
- self-gratification