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

Keep scrolling for more

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

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 Audre Lorde writes about the erotic and the way in which the sensual is linked to relationships. — Thomas Gebremedhin, WSJ, "Deana Lawson’s Portraits of Everyday Black Life," 19 Sep. 2018 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

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.