Synonyms of sensual

sensual

adjective

ˈsen(t)-sh(ə-)wəl 

as in sensuous

pleasing to the physical senses

the sensual feel of a velvet shirt against the skin

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sensuous
• lush
• pleasant
• delicious
• voluptuous
• delightful
• luxurious
• carnal
• luscious
• fleshly
• pleasing
• bodily
• corporeal
• pleasurable
• dreamy
• delectable
• scrumptious
• gratifying
• agreeable
• palatable
• epicurean
• self-indulgent

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• painful
• uncomfortable
• harsh
• disgusting
• hideous
• foul
• icky

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

Recent Examples of sensual

Reuters uncovered an internal Meta document that allowed its AI chatbots to flirt with children and engage in sensual conversations. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2025

For one thing, their theoretically sensual swim occurs in stormy weather, the camera operator in the water with the actors clearly getting battered by the waves and heavy downpour. —Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 17 Aug. 2025

In the middle of them is the pottery wheel, the site of a sensual scene between Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze in the original film. —Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025

Guerlain used ethyl vanillin — three times more potent than natural vanilla — to create a warm, sensual foundation never smelled before. —Sudhir Gupta, Rolling Stone, 12 Aug. 2025