What does "saturnalian" mean?
One celebrates or takes part in Saturnalia.
Saturnalian
adj, noun
adj, noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: One celebrates or takes part in Saturnalia.
- Grammar: saturnalian is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: orgiastic.
- Usage evidence: What masking, what mumming, what carding, what dicing, what gluttony, what drunkenneſs, what chambering, what wontonneſs, what turning nights into days, and days into nights! This Feaſt [i.e., Christmas] was occaſioned by thoſe most licentious Saturnalians, and they have indeed for many years become very like them, only worſe, and that not only by connivance of Authority; […]
How to use "saturnalian"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "saturnalian" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
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- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "saturnalian" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "saturnalian" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "saturnalian" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "orgiastic" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 One celebrates or takes part in Saturnalia. historical
"What masking, what mumming, what carding, what dicing, what gluttony, what drunkenneſs, what chambering, what wontonneſs, what turning nights into days, and days into nights! This Feaſt [i.e., Christmas] was occaſioned by thoſe most licentious Saturnalians, and they have indeed for many years become very like them, only worſe, and that not only by connivance of Authority; […]"
- 2 A merrymaker, a partygoer.
"There were always certain delicious cakes and other sweets as well, curious conventual dainties, of which master and pupil partook with an equal and sympathetic appetite. If, by any evil chance, M. le Directeur came near them at that moment, the sight of his rigid scornful young face brought much confusion upon these innocent saturnalians, but for the most part they were undisturbed."
- 3 Alternative letter-case form of saturnalian (“a merrymaker, a partygoer”). alt-of
"Christmas Eve, impatiently expected, was peeping over the brink of the hour. Millions had prepared for its celebration. Towns would be painted red. You, yourself, have heard the horns and dodged the capers of the Saturnalians."
Adjective
- 1 Of or pertaining to Saturnalia. historical
- 2 Riotously merry; dissolute.
- 3 Alternative letter-case form of saturnalian (“riotously merry; dissolute”). alt-of
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"What masking, what mumming, what carding, what dicing, what gluttony, what drunkenneſs, what chambering, what wontonneſs, what turning nights into days, and days into nights! This Feaſt [i.e., Christmas] was occaſioned by thoſe most licentious Saturnalians, and they have indeed for many years become very like them, only worſe, and that not only by connivance of Authority; […]"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "saturnalian"?
Common synonyms include: orgiastic.
How do you use "saturnalian" in a sentence?
What masking, what mumming, what carding, what dicing, what gluttony, what drunkenneſs, what chambering, what wontonneſs, what turning nights into days, and days into nights! This Feaſt [i.e., Christmas] was occaſioned by thoſe most licentious Saturnalians, and they have indeed for many years become very like them, only worſe, and that not only by connivance of Authority; […]
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Saturnalia + -an.
Etymology 2
From saturnalia + -an.