Definition of sensualnext

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 All across what is probably the best pop album of all time, Michael got sexy, sensual, and introspective in equal measures. Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 26 Mar. 2026 Elsewhere, Parfums de Marly’s newest scent leans crisp and luminous thanks to yuzu, while Tom Ford Beauty’s aptly named Figue Érotique explores fruit from a darker angle—sensual, slightly moody, and unmistakably decadent. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2026 But nothing can match her performance in It Happened One Night for sheer funny-sensual energy. Darren Franich, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Mar. 2026 Tom Ford Santal Blush Eau de Parfum Fragrance is a luxury unisex perfume featuring a sensual blend of Australian sandalwood, cinnamon bark oil, and Ylang-Ylang for a warm, woody scent with subtle musky, powdery hints at the base. Rebecca Norris, InStyle, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sensual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensual
Adjective
  • Like other living things, plants existed in sentient and even sensuous relation to one another.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Then scoop up some of that soft, sensuous garlic and spread it over the char.
    Eric Wareheim, Saveur, 26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • In spring, expect lush greenery, blooming wildflowers, and a good flow at Fife Creek.
    Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Watering the plant in dry weather not only extends its bloom time but also keeps the foliage lush throughout the summer.
    Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Great andouille sausages are balanced, with a pleasant amount of smoke, savory meat flavor, just enough heat to linger on your tongue after each bite, and a pleasant amount of salt to amplify it all.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Occasionally my therapist would have a delicious-smelling soup on simmer in another part of the house — not a design choice, but a pleasant sensory experience in the background.
    Wendy C. Ortiz, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The parathas, as the savory flatbreads are called, stuffed with onion and paneer and coated with a generous amount of butter, are as delicious as ever.
    Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 11 Apr. 2026
  • This simple combination of strawberries, lemon, basil, and sugar is the key to so many fruit-forward desserts, but the sweet mixture is just as delicious when enjoyed on its own.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The flakes were slow and voluptuous, and already the wraithlike branches outside the window were fattening with white.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Apr. 2026
  • Bombshell reporting by none other than the Daily Mail revealed that Bryon Noem harbors a voracious appetite for the voluptuous things in life.
    Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The entire pool was repiped and coated with a delightful granular coating.
    Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 11 Apr. 2026
  • The soft custard filling complements the firm peach slices for a delightful texture and the perfect make-ahead dessert.
    Abby Fribush, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Ahead, discover our perfect Mother’s Day gifts for every type of mom, including design-forward decor, luxurious linens, delicious fragrances, accents for the outdoors, and even a few last-minute Mother’s Day gift ideas (After all, a gift box goes a long way).
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 14 Apr. 2026
  • Hydration, Plus Flavor When sipped, rosemary water offers an herbaceous flavor that feels sophisticated and a little luxurious.
    Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • This unapologetically fleshy, carnal, feminine update on David Cronenberg's 1988 psychosexual classic sees Rachel Weisz brilliantly pulling double-duty as identical twin gynecologists Beverly and Elliot Mantle.
    Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Apr. 2026
  • In the end, every survivor stands alone because what needs to heal is a soul shattered by the trivial evil of carnal greed, a pain so personal and unique even another survivor can’t fully understand it.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sensual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensual. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.

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