SENSUAL Synonyms: 29 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'sensual' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of sensual are animal , carnal , and fleshly . While all these words mean "having a relation to the body," sensual may apply to any gratification of a bodily desire or pleasure but commonly implies sexual appetite with absence of the spiritual or intellectual. // fleshpots providing sensual delights

Q: When could 'animal' be used to replace 'sensual'?

Although the words animal and sensual have much in common, animal stresses the physical as distinguished from the rational nature of a person. // led a mindless animal existence

Q: When might 'carnal' be a better fit than 'sensual'?

In some situations, the words carnal and sensual are roughly equivalent. However, carnal may mean only this but more often connotes derogatorily an action or manifestation of a person's lower nature. // a slave to carnal desires

Q: How are the words 'fleshly' and 'carnal' related as synonyms of 'sensual'?

Fleshly is less derogatory than carnal . // a saint who had experienced fleshly temptations

sensual

adjective

ˈsen(t)-sh(ə-)wəl

Definition of sensual

as in sensuous

pleasing to the physical senses the sensual feel of a velvet shirt against the skin

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How is the word sensual different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of sensual are animal, carnal, and fleshly. While all these words mean "having a relation to the body," sensual may apply to any gratification of a bodily desire or pleasure but commonly implies sexual appetite with absence of the spiritual or intellectual.

fleshpots providing sensual delights

When could animal be used to replace sensual?

Although the words animal and sensual have much in common, animal stresses the physical as distinguished from the rational nature of a person.

led a mindless animal existence

When might carnal be a better fit than sensual?

In some situations, the words carnal and sensual are roughly equivalent. However, carnal may mean only this but more often connotes derogatorily an action or manifestation of a person's lower nature.

a slave to carnal desires

How are the words fleshly and carnal related as synonyms of sensual?

Fleshly is less derogatory than carnal.

a saint who had experienced fleshly temptations

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of sensual The latter is elevated in a later scene where the villager crowd parts, in shock and awe, to watch the Fisherwoman and Wicker Husband’s sensual dancing. — Emily Maskell, IndieWire, 23 Oct. 2026 Bronx Banco’s spring 2026 bridal collection featured a series of designs that brought sheer styling and sensual elements to the forefront, a theme that accentuated the contemporary bride. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026 Daniela emerged as the most magnetic personality, combining an outgoing warmth with explosive, unapologetically sensual dancing. — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 20 Oct. 2026 Such is the case with black faux-leather skirts—the bold and sensual style serves as the perfect anchor for incorporating more colors into your wardrobe. — Michel Mejía, Glamour, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sensual

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensual

Adjective

And their courtship, which White shoots with a sensuous intimacy, begins with some canoodling at a bar, then progresses into an impulsive hookup during a late session at the office.

— Alison Willmore, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2026
In our natural state, the sensuous and formal drives conflict with each other.

— The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of sensuous

Adjective

You may be forgiven for anticipating a potboiler climax when a lush hideaway with a private beach is concerned, and what occurs there is indeed juicy.

— Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
The irony of Nordic wellness being the hottest lifestyle trend at the moment isn’t lost on Presnal, who grew up in the Turku archipelago surrounded by bays and lush forests.

— Lola Akinmade, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of lush

Adjective

Jacaranda trees bloom in purple across the city’s streets and parks, making wandering between neighborhoods in search of milongas (tango dance halls) especially pleasant.

— Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026
In a world of endless technical advancement, who could have predicted that the greatest luxury of all would be a pleasant conversation with a human?

— Anna van Praagh, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of pleasant

Adjective

This recipe for double crust apple pie delivers a mix of tart and sweet along with cinnamon that is crispy, delicious and is worth the indulgence.

— Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
Refrigerated tortellini is one of the fastest ways to turn plain broth into a satiating, delicious meal.

— Danielle Bouchard, Martha Stewart, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of delicious

Adjective

The difference between one frame rate and another can be the difference between wanting to ogle a voluptuous demon and wanting to squish her like a bug.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Sep. 2026
Everyone, meanwhile, can enjoy the simple, perfect sight gag of a voluptuous sheep cleaning a blackboard with her ample fleece.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of voluptuous

Adjective

Zook Cabins The bathroom, by contrast, is comparatively luxurious.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2026
Nike has released countless premium renditions of its beloved Air Max 95 sneaker over its three decades-plus on the market, but few are as luxurious as the aptly named Air Max 95 Lux.

— Riley Jones, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of luxurious

Adjective

Much of the rest of the film, adapted from a short story by Ursula Wills-Jones and directed by real-life couple Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson, focuses on the couple’s staggering carnal connection.

— Rachel Handler, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026
Through artifacts spanning 5,000 years, the exhibition constructs an extraordinary history of fashion and the body—material, carnal, vulnerable, seductive, devotional, fragmented—and its transpositions into various expressive languages.

— Judith Clark, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of carnal

Browse Nearby Words

sensory

sensual

sensualist

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“Sensual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensual. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of sensual

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