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 His goal was to create a sensual yet minimalist refuge, where the architecture of the space would be the focus. Amir Capogrossi Badreddine, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2025 Thank you for your demanding, lyrical, and sensual body of work, and for your fidelity to the light itself. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 18 Oct. 2025 In August, Reuters reported that Meta allowed its chatbots to have romantic and sensual conversations with kids. Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2025 This rich resin is ancient yet modern, sacred yet sensual. Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 16 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
  • This lush faux Norfolk pine garland features a more irregular, layered look for an organic feel.
    Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The home sits in McClintock Woods, a neighborhood known for its lush tree canopy.
    Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Friday will be a pleasant day with the high temperature near 60 degrees, however, temperatures will quickly dip in the evening after the sun sets, the forecast shows.
    Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The 32-gram chocolate and vanilla were both pleasant, with no strange aftertaste or texture—just make sure to give them a really good shake before taking your first sip.
    Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Some even suggested delicious baking uses for the new treats.
    Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Includes gardening tips to grow perfect perennials and chiles for every palate, plus articles on delicious Ukrainian food dishes and Christmas family traditions, banana recipe contest winners and practical life advice.
    Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Nov. 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
  • Head coach Dave Canales answered to the Panthers’ imperfect and confusingly delightful day on Sunday in his postgame press conference.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 2 Nov. 2025
  • Grant is wickedly delightful, rightfully becoming one of the rare actors in a horror movie to gain awards traction, receiving nominations at the Golden Globes, Critics Choice Awards, and BAFTAs.
    Dennis Perkins, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Both favor a quietly luxurious wardrobe heavy on tasteful neutrals and cocoon-like outerwear.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Over time, his content became more professional and his trips more luxurious.
    Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Sensual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensual. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.

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