sensual

adjective

sen·su·al | \ ˈsen(t)-sh(ə-)wəl,

-shəl\

Definition of sensual

1 : relating to or consisting in the gratification of the senses or the indulgence of appetite : fleshly

2 : sensory sense 1

3a : devoted to or preoccupied with the senses or appetites

b : voluptuous

c : deficient in moral, spiritual, or intellectual interests : worldly especially : irreligious

Other Words from sensual Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about sensual

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Other Words from sensual

sensuality \ ˌsen(t)-shə-ˈwa-lə-tē

\ noun

sensually \ ˈsen(t)-sh(ə-)wə-lē ,

ˈsen-shə-lē \ adverb

Choose the Right Synonym for sensual

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

sensuous, sensual, luxurious, voluptuous mean relating to or providing pleasure through gratification of the senses. sensuous implies gratification of the senses for the sake of aesthetic pleasure. the sensuous delights of great music sensual tends to imply the gratification of the senses or the indulgence of the physical appetites as ends in themselves. a life devoted to sensual pleasures luxurious suggests the indulgence of sensuous pleasure inducing bodily ease and languor. a luxurious hotel voluptuous implies more strongly an abandonment especially to sensual pleasure. a voluptuous feast

Examples of sensual in a Sentence

A sharp observer with a pleasing eye for sensual detail, Jaffrey weaves a richly textured story in which she effortlessly mingles quotidian dramas with historic events including the partition of India. — Michelle Green, People, 6 Nov. 2006 And Rousseau, in his Confessions, wrote of the sensual pleasure he found in simple meals of peasant cheeses and breads. — Andrea Lee, Gourmet, May 2004 Certain fragrances apparently heighten sensual experiences. the sensual feel of a velvet shirt against the skin

Recent Examples on the Web

This move is sensual AF, and can totally take things to the next level. — Yerin Kim, Seventeen, "11 Types of Kisses to Step Up Your Makeout Game," 9 Jan. 2019 The 32-year-old Russian model is known for her sensual allure and played to her strengths this evening in a body-hugging, gold dress. — Vogue, "Bradley Cooper and Irina Shayk Win Sexiest Red Carpet Couple at the Golden Globes," 7 Jan. 2019 The musky base notes gave it a skin-like, sensual quality. — Jenna Rosenstein, Harper's BAZAAR, "Kim Kardashian Is Launching A Unisex KKW Body Fragrance for the Holidays," 29 Oct. 2018 On Friday, November 16, sensual Venus and chatty Mercury pull a fast one. — Aliza Kelly Faragher, Allure, "What Your Sign's November Horoscope Predictions Mean for You," 28 Oct. 2018 Stroman directs a sensual and emotional tale expressed less through dialogue than through narration, dance and music. — Barbara Isenberg, latimes.com, "Susan Stroman is back, this time waltzing with 'The Beast in the Jungle'," 23 May 2018 Queue up the Spice Girls’ classic 90s anthem, and take this week to sit down for a deep, sensual chat with yourself about your core desires. — Bess Matassa, Teen Vogue, "Weekly Horoscopes October 29-November 4," 28 Oct. 2018 If two-dimensional graphics and silhouettes make the best impact in a photo like this, trends like streetwear logos and pouf-sleeved, dramatic shapes will overtake sensual, tactile fashion. — Steff Yotka, Vogue, "This Photographer Might Be the Most Influential, Unknown Woman at Fashion Week," 5 Sep. 2018 But for Garcia, it’s more about sensual strokes of scarlet, violet, and cobalt; wallpapers and bathtubs edged in gold; and an aviary of faux birds, from parakeets to peacocks. — Sarah Khan, Condé Nast Traveler, "How Jacques Garcia Turned an Old Church into London's Hottest Hotel," 23 Aug. 2018

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