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 Creative flow grows as sensual Venus moves through your 5th House of Creativity, while imaginative Neptune contrasts from your 11th House of Friends and Aspirations. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Aug. 2026 That exchange starts an open question of power between the two, and their sensual fried-chicken dinner is the first round of the negotiation. — Jp Mangalindan, Time, 10 Aug. 2026 The prose is abundantly physical and sensual, which God knows Arendt’s was not. — David Denby, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026 Two decades after the book’s release, American culture is in a bit of a sensual drought—and people want to know why. — Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for sensual

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensual

Adjective

In our natural state, the sensuous and formal drives conflict with each other.

— The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 5 Aug. 2026
The interplay between straight lines and sensuous curves is there, too.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026

Definition of sensuous

Adjective

Aargau Cantonal Police said one person was killed and five others were wounded after shots were fired at the event in the town of Aarau, a scenic area known for its lush valleys, medieval castles and thermal springs.

— Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
Influenced by Barcelona legend Antoni Gaudí and American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Treister’s work in Miami blended modern architecture with art, sculpture and the lush subtropical South Florida landscape.

— Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of lush

Adjective

Known for its sumptuous cuisine and delicious desserts, Italy has tourists lining up for gelato all over the peninsula.

— Jeanne Bonner, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
Black Pepper Candied Bacon Fogo de Chão/MANNY RODRIGUEZ At Fogo de Chão, this delicious bacon dish is oven roasted with brown sugar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

— Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of delicious

Adjective

Parton was a larger-than-life personality who was known for her glitzy costumes, voluptuous figure, and bouffant hairstyle.

— Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026
The Bugatti Type 57 epitomizes that aesthetic power, exemplified by a low-slung body defined by voluptuous curves.

— Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of voluptuous

Adjective

The delightful bonus is how the triangular craft sits nicely in a corner.

— Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
In place of analysis, The Surrealist Menagerie provides a panoply of alternately delightful and disturbing creatures, generating unexpected pairings through its focus on the animal.

— Kelly Presutti, ARTnews.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of delightful

Adjective

Guests indulge in luxurious bungalows offering private pools and direct beach access, alongside exquisite dining at Ora and Sumosan.

— Stephanie Orma, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
The ultra-luxurious, four-seat coach-door Neolun is targeted to push towards $250,000, squarely in the territory of Bentley and Maybach.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of luxurious

Adjective

In this case, her yearning for him seems as much carnal as romantic.

— Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 26 July 2026
Misty Roberts, 44, was sentenced June 9 after being found guilty in March of carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a juvenile, both felonies, according to KPLC, The Guardian and Louisiana Radio Network.

— Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 10 June 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of sensual

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