SENSUAL Synonyms: 29 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'sensual' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of sensual are animal , carnal , and fleshly . While all these words mean "having a relation to the body," 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

Q: When could 'animal' be used to replace 'sensual'?

Although the words animal and sensual have much in common, animal stresses the physical as distinguished from the rational nature of a person. // led a mindless animal existence

Q: When might 'carnal' be a better fit than 'sensual'?

In some situations, the words carnal and sensual are roughly equivalent. However, 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

Q: How are the words 'fleshly' and 'carnal' related as synonyms of 'sensual'?

Fleshly is less derogatory than carnal . // a saint who had experienced fleshly temptations

sensual

adjective

ˈsen(t)-sh(ə-)wəl

Definition of sensual

as in sensuous

pleasing to the physical senses the sensual feel of a velvet shirt against the skin

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

Some common synonyms of sensual are animal, carnal, and fleshly. While all these words mean "having a relation to the body," 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

When could animal be used to replace sensual?

Although the words animal and sensual have much in common, animal stresses the physical as distinguished from the rational nature of a person.

led a mindless animal existence

When might carnal be a better fit than sensual?

In some situations, the words carnal and sensual are roughly equivalent. However, 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

How are the words fleshly and carnal related as synonyms of sensual?

Fleshly is less derogatory than carnal.

a saint who had experienced fleshly temptations

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 sensual The prose is abundantly physical and sensual, which God knows Arendt’s was not. — David Denby, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026 Two decades after the book’s release, American culture is in a bit of a sensual drought—and people want to know why. — Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026 While Adams’ blouse added a sensual touch with its semi-sheer fabric, her skirt heightened the effect. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 22 July 2026 The intuitive Moon conjoins sensual Venus in your 5th House of Creativity, inviting pleasure, art, flirtation, or play back into your day. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for sensual

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensual

Adjective

In our natural state, the sensuous and formal drives conflict with each other.

— The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 5 Aug. 2026
The interplay between straight lines and sensuous curves is there, too.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026

Definition of sensuous

Adjective

While renowned for its red brick buildings and lush green lawns, UCLA’s campus is also notorious for its steep hills.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Charlie Neibergall / Associated Press Hours before first pitch at the new diamond, fathers and daughters played catch at the movie site along the infield and chased after baseballs in the lush grass that filled the outfield.

— Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of lush

Adjective

With time for a quick lunch, Zouaghi enjoyed a pleasant farm-to-table meal at Five March before continuing to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, one of Glasgow’s premier cultural institutions.

— Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
Join Swamp Fox Tours for a pleasant hour-long history and architecture lesson aboard the blue-and-white tram.

— Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of pleasant

Adjective

The Bugatti Type 57 epitomizes that aesthetic power, exemplified by a low-slung body defined by voluptuous curves.

— Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 17 Aug. 2026
Novelist, musician, and filmmaker Eliza Barry Callahan turns genre on its ear, with voluptuous nocturnal celluloid cinematography by Alfonso Herrera Salcedo.

— Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of voluptuous

Adjective

Nutty and sweet coconut shrimp is a delightful way to enjoy shellfish.

— Kate Williams, AJC.com, 17 Aug. 2026
The 20-year-old’s delightful run to set up Switzerland’s opening goal against Algeria at the World Cup, on their way to a last-32 win, was a highlights-reel moment, as was his brace against Bosnia & Herzegovina.

— Cerys Jones, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of delightful

Adjective

In this case, her yearning for him seems as much carnal as romantic.

— Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 26 July 2026
Misty Roberts, 44, was sentenced June 9 after being found guilty in March of carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a juvenile, both felonies, according to KPLC, The Guardian and Louisiana Radio Network.

— Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026

Definition of carnal

Browse Nearby Words

sensory

sensual

sensualist

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“Sensual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensual. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of sensual

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