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 Taking all of that and then distilling it in a way that was still beautiful and also sensual was really something that was discussed a lot. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026 The atmosphere is humid—not just sensual but erotic—and Stein is often close enough to touch. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2026 Play meets a check in a useful way as sensual Venus in your 5th House of Creativity squares transformative Pluto in your 8th House of Intimacy. — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 15 Sep. 2026 For Setting the Mood Heady, sensual, floral—Diptyque does its best work with this sexy and subtle candle that finds its fragrant roots in the opulent, white-blooming Mexican flower. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sensual

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensual

Adjective

And their courtship, which White shoots with a sensuous intimacy, begins with some canoodling at a bar, then progresses into an impulsive hookup during a late session at the office.

— Alison Willmore, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2026
In our natural state, the sensuous and formal drives conflict with each other.

— The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of sensuous

Adjective

Wartime tunnels and bunkers Before 1965, Vịnh Mốc was a tranquil fishing village in central Vietnam, with a lush landscape of rice paddies, bamboo thickets and golden beaches.

— Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026
Generations ago, the Central Valley was a vast expanse of lush meadows, wetlands and lakes fed by melting Sierra Nevada snow.

— Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of lush

Adjective

Dry and pleasant conditions are forecast to continue into Monday with no mentionable rain chances along with seasonable afternoon temperatures anticipated.

— Felix Rodriguez, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Sep. 2026
Thanks to the coffered and baffled wood ceilings, noise levels are buffered and kept to a pleasant rumble.

— Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of pleasant

Adjective

The lively spot is known for its colorful cocktails, packed calendar of weekly events and specials, and consistently delicious Mexican fare.

— Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2026
For dinner, go back into town for Feast and Floret's delicious Italian small plates and impeccable vibes—or head to Wm.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of delicious

Adjective

The difference between one frame rate and another can be the difference between wanting to ogle a voluptuous demon and wanting to squish her like a bug.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Sep. 2026
Everyone, meanwhile, can enjoy the simple, perfect sight gag of a voluptuous sheep cleaning a blackboard with her ample fleece.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of voluptuous

Adjective

So many laugh-out-loud lines, wonderfully absurd and specific character details, and an all-too-brief but delightful Brunson as a choreographer with frosted tips.

— Rima Parikh, Vulture, 27 Sep. 2026
Sure, the dine-in ambiance has been sacrificed; but the menu here is as delightful and exquisite as ever.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of delightful

Adjective

There is something debauched and luxurious about Durham’s photos, and not just because everyone in them is dressed as French aristocrats guzzling champagne and popping bon-bons.

— Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026
The train itself isn’t luxurious, but taking it gives you a front-row seat to witness the incredible feat of engineering required to load it onto special tracks on the ferry.

— Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of luxurious

Adjective

Author-director Wayne Wang is back to carnal game playing as a catalyst for psychological mischief in Diary of a Mad Old Man, which stars Fan Bingbing and Lily Franky and is headed to a gala world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival.

— Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2026
In this case, her yearning for him seems as much carnal as romantic.

— Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 26 July 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 1 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of sensual

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