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 Hers is a purposeful language, one that looks not just with attention but with sensual intention, and though awestruck, seeks to hold, even briefly, the unknowns of the energies that make any life. Natalie Diaz september 11, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025 This sensual, swoon-worthy drama dares to imagine love thriving where prejudice prevails. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2025 Her designs blend Eastern influences with sensual, body-conscious silhouettes that radiate confidence and visibility. Essence, 4 Sep. 2025 Her history, our ballooning interest in her more overtly sensual work, and the very contours of her face have all been fodder for intensifying debate. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 3 Sep. 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
  • Physically demanding and often extraordinarily sensuous, his ballets are hard to look away from.
    David Lyman, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • Then come the florals—lush, romantic, full of whimsy—before the icons land with striking confidence, like the bold centerpiece of the board.
    Allure Editors, Allure, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Follow the guidelines recommended for your growing zone and type of grass to determine how and when to fertilize your lawn for lush grass growth.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Room for two, a supple ride, a gorgeous view over a curved hood, perfect flow of air up and over the windshield and cockpit with virtually no backsplash to disrupt pleasant conversation, and the ability at any time to experience a rush of power and speed when the moment calls.
    Mark Ewing, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Enfield is a pleasant, unremarkable suburb of north London.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Bitter Mai is also, improbably, absolutely delicious.
    Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Stanway plays in Kelly on the left wing, who delivers a delicious ball for Russo to head home.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Our silhouettes, with their small waists and voluptuous curves, embody strength and elegance.
    Ugonnaora Owoh, Essence, 4 Sep. 2025
  • While assisting her father, Ruysch learned to draw, in time developing a style that combined a taste for color—at once delicate and voluptuous—with a naturalist’s tactile curiosity.
    Cullen Murphy, Air Mail, 23 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • From here on out, Belly’s experience in Paris becomes much more delightful.
    Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The conversation — which delivered plenty of delightful outbursts from the over-the-top Tonioli — took a deep dive into a Season 7 emergency that sent Julianne Hough to the ER, and the memorable night protestors stormed the DWTS stage.
    Claire Franken, TVLine, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In the case of the wife in the viral TikTok video, the Maldives—often cited among the world's most luxurious honeymoon destinations—was a total surprise.
    Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Besides, what feels more luxurious than slipping into a five-star hotel robe and slippers?
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • When Rachel puts the moves on a local boy (Garrett Hedlund), her eyes flash with a kind of carnal appreciation — but for just a second.
    Tom Gliatto, People.com, 9 Aug. 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 18 Sep. 2025.

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