1
as in sensory
of or relating to physical sensation or the senses
the sensuous pleasure of a massage
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2
as in sensual
pleasing to the physical senses
a gentle, sensuous breeze
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Recent Examples of sensuous
Meanwhile, her sensuous younger sister Olga and Olga’s fiancé, Lensky, are soon caught in the crosshairs of Eugene and Tatiana’s tension, with murderous results.
—
Rachel Howard, San Francisco Chronicle, 24 Jan. 2026
The dance party held at the Vermont and organized by Club 90s, channels the sensuous vacation-from-reality energy adored by fans of the TV show, and the book series it’s based on, that premiered in November and became a breakout hit for HBO Max.
—Martine Thompson, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2026
The latest Wuthering Heights trailer appears to be a slight corrective to (or maybe, more accurately, an expansion of) the previous one, which emphasized the symbolic, sensuous, slimy, psychosexual elements of Fennell’s adaptation of Emily Brontë’s novel.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2025
Not a whiffet of sensuous aroma.
—Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 20 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sensuous
Rachel Howard, San Francisco Chronicle, 24 Jan. 2026
The dance party held at the Vermont and organized by Club 90s, channels the sensuous vacation-from-reality energy adored by fans of the TV show, and the book series it’s based on, that premiered in November and became a breakout hit for HBO Max.
—Martine Thompson, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2026
The latest Wuthering Heights trailer appears to be a slight corrective to (or maybe, more accurately, an expansion of) the previous one, which emphasized the symbolic, sensuous, slimy, psychosexual elements of Fennell’s adaptation of Emily Brontë’s novel.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2025
Not a whiffet of sensuous aroma.
—Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 20 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sensuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensuous
Adjective
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Venus graces your sign until April 24, wrapping you in an energy that rewards indulgence, self-appreciation, and sensory pleasure.—
Kirah Tabourn,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
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The sweeping structures bear a striking resemblance to the sensory organs sported by members of the insect world, which eventually granted them the nickname of the Antennae Galaxies.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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On the sensual afro-pop fusion, produced by Daramola, the artists sing about connecting and desiring each other, and even wanting to have each other’s baby.—
Jessica Roiz,
Billboard,
27 Mar. 2026
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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
Adjective
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The ingredient drives the fragrance, delivers the benefit and shapes the entire sensorial experience.—
James Manso,
Footwear News,
20 Mar. 2026
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Perhaps its that in Korean, sun care is seen as an extension of skincare and a sensorial treat, not a tedious task.—
Deanna Pai,
Vogue,
19 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sensuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensuous. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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