sensual

adjective sen·su·al \ ˈsen(t)-sh(ə-)wəl , -shəl \

|Updated on: 20 Jun 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: sensual in a Sentence

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

2 : sensory 1

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

b : voluptuous

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

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sensuality

play \ˌsen(t)-shə-ˈwa-lə-tē\ noun

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sensually

play \ˈsen(t)-sh(ə-)wə-lē, ˈsen-shə-lē\ adverb

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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 of sensual from the Web

Case in point: when the rumor mill in April had the two getting sensual at Coachella.

— krystin arneson, Glamour, "Bella Hadid and The Weeknd Might've Just Low-Key Confirmed They're Dating," 2 June 2018
His voice, as yearning and sensual as a national anthem could allow, reverberated gently off the stone walls, and Mendes grinned.

— mikael wood, latimes.com, "Shawn Mendes started out copying his idols. Now they're coming to him," 25 May 2018
Some newcomers express an almost erotic fascination with Pele, comparing the experience of getting so close to steaming lava flows to sensual experiences.

— simon romero, New York Times, "Madame Pele, Hawaii’s Goddess of Volcanoes, Awes Those Living in Lava’s Path," 21 May 2018
Ramadan, which this year started on May 16, is the ninth month on the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food, drink and other sensual pleasures from break of dawn to sunset.

— staff report, The Aegis, "Harford Muslims to host community Ramadan dinner June 2," 22 May 2018
On Friday, Kathleen Breen Combes lit up the stage with sensual, righteous fury; one look and Aurora’s parents quailed with guilt.

— jeffrey gantz, BostonGlobe.com, "Boston Ballet reawakens ‘Sleeping Beauty’," 12 May 2018
With the help of Sirkot’s costumes, Fennell’s Pistache is an exotic presence, a sensual operator who spins Aristide around like a top.

— hugh hunter, Philly.com, "'Can-Can' at Broadway Pitman: Energetic, with great song and dance, but dated," 30 Apr. 2018
Taurus Moon Taurus is one of the most sensual signs of the zodiac.

— aliza kelly faragher, Allure, "What Your Moon Sign Reveals About Your Emotional Personality," 23 Apr. 2018
Both met and repressed desires — sensual and intellectual, compassionate and proprietary — create the novel’s driving force.

— natalie bakopoulos, San Francisco Chronicle, "‘The Last Watchman of Old Cairo,’ by Michael David Lukas," 19 Apr. 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.

Origin and Etymology of sensual

Middle English, from Late Latin sensualis, from Latin sensus sense

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

sensual Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of 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.