EROTICISM Synonyms: 36 Similar and Opposite Words

eroticism

noun

i-ˈrä-tə-ˌsi-zəm

Definition of eroticism

as in lust

intense sexual desire a novel in which innocence and eroticism are themes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

frigidity

as in desire

sexual appetite Alfred Kinsey's groundbreaking research in human eroticism

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 eroticism The band leader Henriette Motzfeldt moves between violin and keys, and the synergy between the two, alongside their drummer and guitarist, is undeniable, drifting between woozy eroticism and a funky danceability. — E.r. Pulgar, SPIN, 10 June 2026 D’Angelo’s 1995 interpretation spotlighted what had always been latent — the song’s vibrant eroticism. — New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026 Comprising irregular, curling and warped forms, the bed is crafted from stainless steel, powder coated in pink and black shades, with its design reportedly informed by female eroticism and intuition. — Francesca Perry, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026 Equally important was resisting a reductive reading of eroticism as merely explicit. — George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for eroticism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for eroticism

Noun

Groff’s writing is always transcendent, and her prose is especially on display in Matrix’s passages of holy visions, bodily lust, and political power.

— James Folta, Literary Hub, 5 Oct. 2026
The gorgeous 16-track set explores grief, passion, hope, lust and reflection across four movements, featuring a bevy of special guests, including Thundercat, Steve Lacy, DRAM, Westside Gunn, Kamasi Washington, Earl Sweatshirt and more.

— Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of lust

Noun

Trump has expressed his desire to acquire Greenland since 2019 and, during his second term, issued threats to seize the territory from Denmark, a NATO ally.

— Stefanie Dazio, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
Gray Wielebinski’s new site-specific Production (2026) will transform the fair’s public toilets into an intimate olfactory environment, where scent, bodily function, privacy, desire, and surveillance will converge.

— Jade Wilson, ARTnews.com, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of desire

Noun

Acting was his guiding passion, but his deep love for the avant-garde helped till the ground for the city’s theatrical renaissance that the 1984 Olympic Arts Festival catalyzed.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
The comedian's passion for burgers goes well beyond punchlines.

— Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of passion

Browse Nearby Words

erotic

eroticism

erotogenic

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Eroticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/eroticism. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of eroticism

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

bon vivant

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 16

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

Games & Quizzes