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Synonym Chooser

How is the word carnal different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of carnal are animal, fleshly, and sensual. While all these words 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

When can animal be used instead of carnal?

While the synonyms animal and carnal are close in meaning, animal stresses the physical as distinguished from the rational nature of a person.

led a mindless animal existence

How do fleshly and carnal relate to one another?

Fleshly is less derogatory than carnal.

a saint who had experienced fleshly temptations

When is it sensible to use sensual instead of carnal?

While in some cases nearly identical to carnal, 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

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of carnal This opulent unisex scent made for both men and women marries lush oud with velvety rose—along with equally sumptuous honey and saffron—for a carnal love potion designed for those who aren’t afraid to stand out. Mary Honkus, Glamour, 8 Apr. 2025 As a chronicle of carnal awakening, Dying for Sex, created by Kim Rosenstock and Elizabeth Meriwether based on true events detailed in the Wondery podcast of the same title, is unapologetically horny and refreshingly open-minded. Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2025 Mister Romantic may be an equal-opportunity flirt, but there’s no carnal undercurrent to his desires. Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rolling Stone, 15 Mar. 2025 With Sexy Drill, the artist and their carnal musings take centerstage. Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for carnal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for carnal
Adjective
  • Topline While still challenged by outdated technology and a chronic air traffic controller shortage, Newark Liberty International Airport is facing flight delays Wednesday due to something more mundane: weather conditions.
    Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • As the narrative unfolds, her mundane tasks take a playful turn, with suggestive dance moves punctuating her daydreams, until Wheeler suddenly appears unannounced, leaving both characters caught in a moment of shy intrigue.
    Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • In this new role, Lindsey will lead the strategic design and development of exhibits and physical experiences at the Amazeum and with partner institutions across the region.
    Deb Harvell, Arkansas Online, 11 May 2025
  • Two runs in the sixth came courtesy of a mental error and a physical error by the Rockies.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • The sensual scenes between Orlando and Trinidad are more scorching than a blistering summer day, and Cunningham expertly builds their emotional connection while never letting up on their physical sparks.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 19 May 2025
  • But beyond unleashing an album that is reflective, emotional, sensual, and mesmerizing, Noreh owes his potent lyricism to his identity.
    Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • Symmetry through recurrent objects entered in the frame is common, with temporal match-cuts employed to take us from day to night, or even sunlight to surrounding snow.
    David Katz, IndieWire, 18 May 2025
  • The temporal system divides daylight into six variable-length periods that vary with the season.
    Garth Friesen, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Medical queasiness and gory bodily intrusions have been a specialty of Ducournau (both of whose parents are doctors) since Raw, which turned a veterinary school into a feeding ground for two cannibal sisters.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 19 May 2025
  • Taylor, 34, was charged with felony negligent child abuse without bodily harm and misdemeanor solicitation of prostitution, according to his arrest affidavit obtained by PEOPLE.
    Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • The new study suggests, however, that records of ancient tsunamis may be found in the form of amber and other terrestrial material deposited in deep-sea sediments.
    Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 15 May 2025
  • Official records such as local gazettes and county chronicles didn’t have any information about the porpoises — only terrestrial megafauna like tigers and elephants, species that have frequent conflict with humans.
    Marlowe Starling, CNN Money, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • Rendering is a process that transforms animal by-products, like leftover meat and fats...and yes, chicken feet, into usable materials, such as animal feed, fuel, and other industrial products.
    Phil Kafarakis, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • One study of about 200 Korean scientists found that animal researchers had significantly higher anxiety scores than non-animal researchers.
    Celia Ford, Vox, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Their parents have long since left this earthly plane.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 2 May 2025
  • The lower the figure of magnitude, the brighter the star and Sirius is one of only four stars seen from our earthly perspective with a negative magnitude (-1.45).
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 25 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Carnal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/carnal. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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