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 Her voice, languid and honeyed, can glide over sensual R&B, bouncing reggaetón, shimmering pop or nostalgic jazz. Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 16 Oct. 2025 This rich resin is ancient yet modern, sacred yet sensual. Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2025 That feeling—stately, easy, deliberate—is inherently sensual. Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2025 The soapy clip had some memorable, and laugh out loud, moments, including Poehler-as-Akerman revealing her breasts within her first second on screen, as well as some very sensual shooting lessons. Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sensual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensual
Adjective
  • Not a whiffet of sensuous aroma.
    Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 20 Oct. 2025
  • But only once has the mercantile danced with the affluent to such sensuous effect in the realm of fiction.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on the shores of Lake Michigan features miles of sand beach, lush forests, clear inland lakes, unique flora and fauna, towering bluffs, an island lighthouse, coastal villages, picturesque farmsteads and more.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Driving through lush, evergreen rainforest, far past the industrious city of Seattle, a rolling mist creeps in.
    Christina Fang, Travel + Leisure, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As the mid-Missouri heat and humidity finally subside, any outdoor activity—from the perfect wine picnic to a Katy Trail hike—is much more pleasant.
    Erika Ebsworth-Goold, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
  • As America’s capital of both wine production and pleasant weather, California has any number of towns that capture this experience, each with distinguishing characteristics that suit different types of travelers.
    Justin Goldman, AFAR Media, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But harness a touch of Scotland’s inimitable peat, and the Rob Roy really steps into its own, the vermouth offering sweetness to the scotch’s smoke, their interplay both delicious and unique.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Greet guests with a warm welcome, a house drink, and a few delicious appetizers.
    Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In the Wild Eyed Rose, the voluptuous tartness of the grenadine gets to arc across the whole palate, supported by the warm light malt of the Irish whiskey and given a malic kiss at the end by the lime juice.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Dmitri is engaged to Katerina but has fallen head over heels for another woman, the voluptuous Grushenka, whom his father, too, has fallen for, while Ivan is in love with Katerina.
    Karl Ove Knausgaard, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Just down the street from the colossal blue Scientology center (one of LA’s top locations for taking an ironic selfie) is Found Oyster, a delightful and perennially (pleasantly) crowded seafood restaurant inspired by clam shacks on the East Coast.
    Jocelyn Silver, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2025
  • In addition to delightful dish after delightful dish, tasting menu participants have the joyful experience of choosing their own chopstick holder and steak knife.
    Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The label doesn’t specify the thread count, but the sheets certainly felt soft and luxurious.
    Laura Itzkowitz, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2025
  • In the early modern era, sugar was a valuable luxurious commodity, replacing honey as a sweetener.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Such pleasurable pains, at their most chronic, or their most carnal, can keep Lang occupied for the length of a stanza.
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The brothers grew up in a household ruled by their mother’s preachings about the sins of lust and carnal desire, per the outlet, which also reports that their father was an alcoholic.
    Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sensual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensual. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sensual

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!