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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Inspired by the hustle and bustle of New York City, the fragrance blends a juicy burst of cherry with a succulent, warm base of Jasmine sambac and sensual Ambrofix. — Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 6 July 2026 Piercing the sterility of contemporary life with the disruptive transgression of eroticism, Silver’s film features dreamy fantasy sequences that interrupt and disrupt, drawing us expertly into its characters’ sensual and unusual interiority. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 2 July 2026 The Grammy Award-winning artist wore a sensual red dress from the designer’s spring 2026 ready-to-wear collection. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 29 June 2026 However, the selling point is how the amber, tonka bean, and musk notes melt into my skin, creating a creamy, sensual vanilla fragrance. — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sensual

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensual

Adjective

Kate Fry, whose assignment here as Gretl requires a temporal transition from the coquettish and sensuous to a character rich with the moral authority of experience and an ability to judge the folly of others, is quite extraordinary.

— Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026
On two sensuous, R&B-leaning songs in the middle of the record, Káryyn’s newfound directness is reflected in her lyrics.

— Alex Robert Ross, Pitchfork, 15 June 2026

Definition of sensuous

Adjective

Those included a charmingly cluttered Bucket family home, a lush candyland with the smell of chocolate piped through the Royal Theater to complement the full-size mock chocolate river, and a glass elevator that flew above the audience.

— Nathan Diller, USA Today, 6 July 2026
If your lawn is struggling from summer heat, weeds, or drought, reseeding can revitalize it and help make your lawn look thick and lush.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 5 July 2026

Definition of lush

Adjective

Daunt’s pool area is entirely pleasant right now, but Leo and Home have big plans for it, including the addition of a yoga area and a massage tent.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
Visual enhancements, such as a dark outline of the currently active interface element (think the search field in the Mail app), are a pleasant surprise.

— Edward Mendelson, PC Magazine, 13 July 2026

Definition of pleasant

Adjective

There are many other delicious places to dine in San Luis Obispo.

— Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
The majority of ingredients in the food and beverage program at Wildflower are sourced directly from the property’s on-site farm, so every creative item on the menu is extremely fresh and delicious.

— Jess Feldman, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2026

Definition of delicious

Adjective

Bristol’s Tara Clerkin Trio are steeped in their hometown’s trip-hop tradition, but their approach is more folk-rock than the voluptuous blues associated with Tricky or Massive Attack.

— Daniel Bromfield, Pitchfork, 5 June 2026
Enthusiasts love it for its voluptuous beauty and buttery-smooth typing action.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 June 2026

Definition of voluptuous

Adjective

Small in size but big on personality, Little Spirit remains one of Atlanta’s most consistently delightful neighborhood cocktail bars.

— Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
Sidny Lopes Cabral’s delightful curling strike was one of the great World Cup moments and the image of him in the crowd right after was poignant.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of delightful

Adjective

Design Within Reach aims to make luxurious designer furniture pieces from the past and present just a little more accessible for online shoppers.

— Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 3 July 2026
Shunya will be able to fly a pilot and either six passengers with a bit of luggage, or four in more luxurious seating.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 July 2026

Definition of luxurious

Adjective

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
The former make for an easy snack (carnal or cuisine), while the latter are an even more fleeting annoyance.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 7 June 2026

Definition of carnal

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sensory

sensual

sensualist

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“Sensual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensual. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of sensual

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