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

Guillermo del Toro, the Hollywood director most famous for bringing weirdly sensual and subtly human monsters to the big screen, owes some of his success to Toronto. — Erik Heinrich, latimes.com, "Toronto has been a film and TV hub for decades. Now Guillermo del Toro may give the Canadian city an edge," 12 July 2018 The stage then transformed into a sensual, dimly lit set, featuring Parisian rugs and pillar candles. — Brandon T. Harden, Philly.com, "Jill Scott, Boyz II Men deliver sizzling homecoming performances at WDAS Summer Block Party," 1 July 2018 Behind the canvas, a sensual nude and a red-handed man lurk in the shadows. — Victoria Dalkey, sacbee, "This artist's works will blow you away in Sacramento exhibit," 20 Apr. 2018 Remember that incredibly sensual one-minute video of Cole Sprouse eating a hamburger? — Hanna Lustig, Teen Vogue, "Netflix Re-Released Its Cole Sprouse Eating a Hamburger Video for IGTV," 22 June 2018 For the first time in decades, figures appeared, some from Italian Renaissance art, others imaginary; all sensual. — New York Times, "Growing, Faltering, Changing, Growing: Lessons From Kay WalkingStick," 7 June 2018 With co-stars including Marine Vacth and Jeremie Renier, Ozon continuously deceives and mesmerizes in this this sensual and provocative film about identity, trust, and passion. — Mike Scott, NOLA.com, "New Orleans French Film Festival lineup unveiled," 30 Jan. 2018 Accompanied by music and poetry from some of Maharashtra’s greatest writers, the dancers thrilled spectators through graceful, sensual, and sometimes straight-up erotic choreography. — Jeff Roy, Condé Nast Traveler, "A Guide to Mumbai's Diverse LGBTQ+ Arts Scene," 13 June 2018 Season 1 was known for its, ahem, relatively sensual (re: smokin') love scenes — something that was sorely missed in season 2 (so political!). — Sarah Schreiber, Good Housekeeping, "Here's Everything We Know About "Outlander" Season 3," 28 Aug. 2017

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.