carnal

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adjective

Definition of CARNAL

1

having to do with life on earth especially as opposed to that in heaven <the preacher warned that those who were interested only in carnal pursuits would not see the kingdom of heaven>

Synonyms carnal, earthborn, earthbound, fleshly, material, mundane, sublunary, temporal, terrene, terrestrial, worldly

Related Words animal, bodily, corporal, corporeal, physical; daily, diurnal; unspiritual; anthropic (or anthropical), anthropocentric

Near Antonyms celestial, Elysian, empyreal, empyrean, supernal; metaphysical; devotional, divine, religious, sacred, spiritual, utopian; extraterrestrial; ethereal, supernatural, transcendent, transcendental

Antonyms heavenly, nontemporal, unearthly, unworldly

2

of or relating to the human body <a missionary who tends to the carnal needs of the people as well as to their spiritual concerns>

Synonyms animal, bodily, carnal, corporal, corporeal, fleshly, material, somatic

Related Words anatomic (or anatomical), physiological (or physiologic); sensual, sensuous; hand-to-hand

Near Antonyms cerebral, inner, intellectual, mental, psychological (also psychologic); bodiless, immaterial, incorporeal, insubstantial, spiritual; ethereal, metaphysical, psychic (also psychical)

Antonyms nonmaterial, nonphysical

3

pleasing to the physical senses <carnal attractions of that gambling mecca in the desert>

Synonyms carnal, fleshly, luscious, lush, sensuous, voluptuous

Related Words bodily, corporeal; agreeable, delectable, delicious, delightful, dreamy, gratifying, palatable, pleasant, pleasing, pleasurable, scrumptious; epicurean, luxurious, self-indulgent

Near Antonyms harsh, painful, uncomfortable; disgusting, foul, hideous, icky