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 The latter is elevated in a later scene where the villager crowd parts, in shock and awe, to watch the Fisherwoman and Wicker Husband’s sensual dancing. — Emily Maskell, IndieWire, 23 Oct. 2026 Bronx Banco’s spring 2026 bridal collection featured a series of designs that brought sheer styling and sensual elements to the forefront, a theme that accentuated the contemporary bride. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026 Daniela emerged as the most magnetic personality, combining an outgoing warmth with explosive, unapologetically sensual dancing. — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 20 Oct. 2026 Such is the case with black faux-leather skirts—the bold and sensual style serves as the perfect anchor for incorporating more colors into your wardrobe. — Michel Mejía, Glamour, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sensual

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensual

Adjective

His work is visionary, and his stealth and imagination of camera work and storytelling is so visceral and sensuous.

— Wengel Gemu, Vanity Fair, 3 Nov. 2026
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

Definition of sensuous

Adjective

Photos in the listing show off the lavish two-story entrance way, gourmet kitchen, large breakfast room, private cinema, en-suite bedrooms, and sprawling lush green gardens.

— Meg Walters, InStyle, 7 Nov. 2026
But there are all the openers, too, like Malena Cadiz tonight — an Americana singer-songwriter with a lush voice — or Sam Evian, who opened for them at Pappy and Harriet’s out in Joshua Tree a few weeks ago.

— Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of lush

Adjective

Afternoons should be mild and mostly sunny, with lower humidity making outdoor plans more pleasant.

— Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 2 Nov. 2026
As Los Angeles became more crowded and less pleasant a place to live, the high-handedness of Southern California developers and officialdom occasionally got those hands slapped.

— Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of pleasant

Adjective

Overall, Huong Sen Tofu is a lively hole in the wall that seems to commit itself to serving delicious food and helping patrons bring those flavors home.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 7 Nov. 2026
Even Jack’s new invention, the electric mixer, couldn’t whip up a more delicious start.

— Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 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

Al Fresco Bar Cart Made of solid and veneered walnut with elegant brass details, the Cotu (from the makers of our favorite bar cabinets) is a delightful midcentury-style bar cart that has a distinctive asymmetrical incline on each shelf.

— Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 6 Nov. 2026
Her South American sensibility means breads are made with flours like quinoa, cassava, and sweet potato, which gives them a delightful chewiness.

— Luke Pyenson, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of delightful

Adjective

Rebecca Udall's brand has caught our attention because of the bedding's delicate scalloped edges, ornate embroidery, and elegant designs that make sleep feel a little more luxurious.

— Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2026
There might be other luxurious heritage hotels set on the banks of the Bosphorus, but none of them have a view that can compete with The Peninsula's.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of luxurious

Adjective

Much of the rest of the film, adapted from a short story by Ursula Wills-Jones and directed by real-life couple Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson, focuses on the couple’s staggering carnal connection.

— Rachel Handler, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026
Through artifacts spanning 5,000 years, the exhibition constructs an extraordinary history of fashion and the body—material, carnal, vulnerable, seductive, devotional, fragmented—and its transpositions into various expressive languages.

— Judith Clark, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of carnal

Browse Nearby Words

sensory

sensual

sensualist

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“Sensual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensual. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of sensual

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