Synonym Chooser

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 guiding thread across her work has been intimacy and elegance: like Home, her welcome reimagining of a contemporary art space which ran until 2023; her heartfelt personal photography; and Selasi’s sensual dresses and rakish tailoring in sumptuous, earth tones. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 30 July 2025 Each season, the designer also finds inspiration in the swift pace of New York City, which lends itself to creating clothing that strays into sensual territory. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 25 July 2025 The pair then come together in a retro booth before becoming sensual dance partners. Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 24 July 2025 Marrying modernity with antiquity, every corner of this sprawling hotel is a sensual feast for the eyes. Tiffany Leigh, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for sensual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensual
Adjective
  • Hamilton has created an environment that feels both grand and cocoon-like, with velvet armchairs in rich jewel tones, sensuous materials like marble and leather, and a confident colour palette that echoes the surrounding natural landscape.
    Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Underfoot, guests can enjoy sensuous custom rugs from the RH Raku collection.
    Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • However, the property's lush greenery posed a challenge for the show’s signature dark aesthetic.
    Aya Al-Hakim, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Most of them dwell in the lush greenery of Etosha National Park in the north of the country and near the border with Botswana in the northeast.
    Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Mini marshmallows add a chewy, soft contrast, while crunchy lemon cookies give the dessert a pleasant crunch.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Think wild strawberries and mineral lift with just enough texture to add a pleasant element of complexity, something not often found in entry-level rosé.
    Devin Parr, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • In the video, a school bus gets stuck in a pothole and JJ and his friends transform into superheroes after eating some delicious fruity muffins.
    Annabelle Canela, Parents, 8 Aug. 2025
  • For oceanfront views and delicious seafood, Waterman’s Surfside Grille on the south end of the Boardwalk is a go-to, famous for its breezy patio and signature Orange Crush.
    Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • And then Rosamond Pike [and] Elizabeth was always slightly more voluptuous and slightly more of a kind of Venus character.
    Anaja I. Smith, HollywoodReporter, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Anderson became a keystone of 1990s pop culture as the voluptuous beach bunny lifeguard C.J. Parker on Baywatch.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 30 July 2025
Adjective
  • Some Zinfandels even taste like berry jam, but with the delightful heat of around 14% alcohol on the finish, and a touch of acidity to cleanse the palate between bites of BBQ.
    Liz Thach, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Many of its delightful products are made on site, like comforters, pillows, wool sponges, and more.
    Katy Spratte Joyce, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Last Crumb's cookies are excellent edible gifts, with a luxurious flavor and mouthfeel and the price tag to match.
    Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Accompanying the single, Cardi directed a luxurious visual alongside Patientce Foster.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Uma doesn’t have a domestic bone in her body, and Gopal seems unable even to undress in front of his wife, let alone have anything resembling carnal relations.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 19 May 2025
  • Each issue centers around the bonds that women form with each other, and in this case, forged vis-à-vis a carnal and violent bloodbath.
    Tiffany Leigh, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sensual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensual. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

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