fleshly

adjective

Save Word

flesh·ly | \ ˈflesh-lē

Definition of fleshly

1a : corporeal, bodily

b : of, relating to, or characterized by indulgence of bodily appetites especially : lascivious fleshly desires

c : not spiritual : worldly

2 : fleshy sense 1a

3 : having a sensuous quality fleshly art

Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about fleshly

Keep scrolling for more

Choose the Right Synonym for fleshly

carnal, fleshly, sensual, animal mean having a relation to the body. 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 fleshly is less derogatory than carnal. a saint who had experienced fleshly temptations 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 animal stresses the physical as distinguished from the rational nature of a person. led a mindless animal existence

Examples of fleshly in a Sentence

a time of year when people shouldn't focus on fleshly concerns, but instead on spiritual matters the fleshly eye sees the only finished painting, but the mind's eye sees the genius behind its creation

Recent Examples on the Web They were tempted by curiosity and hunger, by fleshly desires. — Karla Cornejo Villavicencio, The New Yorker, "Waking Up from the American Dream," 18 Jan. 2021 When all seems lost, a magical, fleshly reappearance defies death’s despair. — Longreads, "On Vanishing," 14 Apr. 2020 Our fleshly forms evolved to work within the tug of gravity. — National Geographic, "What happens to brains in space, and more breakthroughs," 12 June 2019 Beasley’s lush and sculptures are anchored in fleshly experience. — Cate Mcquaid, BostonGlobe.com, "At the ICA, Kevin Beasley alchemizes dark histories," 23 May 2018 A bovine nirvana, in other words, where the fleshly mortification of Theravada Buddhism does not apply. — Joseph Hincks / Hong Kong, Time, "This Is How It Feels to Eat 13-Year-Old Steak," 30 Aug. 2017 For two decades, Howard has sworn off liquor, cigarettes, women, and other fleshly temptations. — Matt Wolfe, New Republic, "Why did Yousef Muslet face life in prison for an everyday gesture?," 2 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fleshly.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.