sensual

adjective

sen·​su·​al ˈsen(t)-sh(ə-)wəl 

-shəl

1

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

2

: sensory sense 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

sensuality

ˌsen(t)-shə-ˈwa-lə-tē 

noun

sensually

ˈsen(t)-sh(ə-)wə-lē 

ˈsen-shə-lē

adverb

Synonyms of sensual

• sensuous
• lush
• pleasant
• delicious
• voluptuous
• delightful
• luxurious
• carnal

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.

gave in 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

The atmosphere is humid—not just sensual but erotic—and Stein is often close enough to touch. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2026

Soon after launch, the designer quickly earned a reputation for such sensual gender-fluid designs. — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026

Play meets a check in a useful way as sensual Venus in your 5th House of Creativity squares transformative Pluto in your 8th House of Intimacy. — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 15 Sep. 2026

For Setting the Mood Heady, sensual, floral—Diptyque does its best work with this sexy and subtle candle that finds its fragrant roots in the opulent, white-blooming Mexican flower. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 10 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

sensual

adjective

sen·​su·​al ˈsench-(ə-)wəl 

ˈsen-shəl

1

: relating to or consisting in the pleasing of the senses

2

: devoted to the pleasures of the senses

sensuality

ˌsen-chə-ˈwal-ət-ē 

noun

sensually

ˈsench-(ə-)wə-lē 

ˈsen-shə-lē

adverb

Medical Definition

sensual

adjective

sen·​su·​al ˈsench-(ə-)wəl, ˈsen-shəl 

1

: sensory sense 1

2

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

3

: devoted to or preoccupied with the senses or appetites