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

And then there is his fluency of color (flesh ripens in a dark rainbow spectrum) and natural affinity for the sensual line. — Christopher Alessandrini, The New York Review of Books, "‘Boys Do It Better’: The Paintings of Louis Fratino," 18 May 2019 This married Philly jazz-bo coupling won’t play to the avant-garde on this Valentine’s, but while Meg’s voice is strong and stirringly sensual (to say nothing of swinging), Victor’s tenor tone is always bracingly theatrical. — Philly.com, "Tom Petty and David Bowie tributes, Olympics at the Penn Museum, Valentine's Day Cheese-making and more things to do in Philadelphia, Feb. 9-16," 8 Feb. 2018 To start reaping the benefits of this sensual kissing position, gently suck and nibble on your partner’s neck, traveling from below the ear to the collarbone. — Jasmine Gomez, Seventeen, "17 Kissing Positions You Should Try During Your Next Makeout Session," 9 Apr. 2019 People relate to her work in a sensual, spiritual way. — Nicole Phelps, Vogue, "Remembering Cara Croninger, Artwear Jewelry Maker and “Punk to the Core”," 5 Apr. 2019 Meanwhile, another sensual, creative experience, clothing—we’re like eating McDonald’s in clothing. — Steff Yotka, Vogue, "Batsheva Opens a Pop-Up Dressmaking Heaven in Time for NYFW," 4 Feb. 2019 This is a fragrance that is earthy and sensual, and can be worn at any time. — The Editors, Marie Claire, "Angelina Jolie Takes Us Inside Her First International Beauty Campaign in a Decade," 17 Apr. 2017 A decade later, Prada dove into the lingerie drawer one more, resulting in suiting with a sensual touch for ladies who launch, not lunch. — Laird Borrelli-persson, Vogue, "Vogue Runway Did a Ten-Year Fashion Challenge: Check Out the Results Here," 30 Jan. 2019 The sensual urban/electro tune took two years in the making and is the first song that the EDM artist worked on for his Spanish-language album Wut Wut, set to release in September. — Billboard Staff, Billboard, "Viva Friday: Best Music Picks of the Week by Wisin, Karol G & More," 13 July 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.