Synonyms of sensuous

sensuous

adjective

ˈsen(t)-sh(ə-)wəs 

1

as in sensory

of or relating to physical sensation or the senses

the sensuous pleasure of a massage

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sensory
• sensual
• sensorial
• sensational
• sensitive
• receptive
• afferent
• sensate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• extrasensory
• intuitional

2

as in sensual

pleasing to the physical senses

a gentle, sensuous breeze

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How is the word sensuous distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of sensuous are luxurious, sensual, and voluptuous. While all these words mean "relating to or providing pleasure through gratification of the senses," sensuous implies gratification of the senses for the sake of aesthetic pleasure.

the sensuous delights of great music

When is it sensible to use luxurious instead of sensuous?

While in some cases nearly identical to sensuous, luxurious suggests the indulgence of sensuous pleasure inducing bodily ease and languor.

a luxurious hotel

When can sensual be used instead of sensuous?

Although the words sensual and sensuous have much in common, sensual tends to imply the gratification of the senses or the indulgence of the physical appetites as ends in themselves.

a life devoted to sensual pleasures

Where would voluptuous be a reasonable alternative to sensuous?

While the synonyms voluptuous and sensuous are close in meaning, voluptuous implies more strongly an abandonment especially to sensual pleasure.

a voluptuous feast

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of sensuous

Georges Bizet’s score accompanies the story of the sensuous Carmen, and the music of Mozart accompanies Balanchine’s Divertimento No. 15. —Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2025

The dress featured a modest high neckline with tactile drape contrasts with a sensuous open-back design. —Julia Teti, WWD, 11 Mar. 2025

Over the next few years, Flack’s sensuous voice and piano were ubiquitous on pop radio. —David Browne, Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 2025

This headlong, hyper-nuanced account of a teenage girl’s first love fuses the interiority of novels and the sensuous embrace of cinema in ways that other films fumble. —Nicolas Rapold, Deadline, 22 Feb. 2025