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

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 sensuous Clothes felt sensuous without overt sexuality and bareness. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2025 Hamilton has created an environment that feels both grand and cocoon-like, with velvet armchairs in rich jewel tones, sensuous materials like marble and leather, and a confident colour palette that echoes the surrounding natural landscape. Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025 Physically demanding and often extraordinarily sensuous, his ballets are hard to look away from. David Lyman, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 Wise, on the other hand, is sensuous and loving, but she too is hamstrung by the material. Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 27 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sensuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensuous
Adjective
  • Because serotonin regulates the brain’s processing of sensory information, including sound, the test offers a unique biomarker for understanding how antidepressants might affect each individual’s neurochemistry.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Auditory perception is dependent upon the brain’s serotonin levels since the neurotransmitter regulates the processing of sensory information including sound, Jensen told CNN.
    Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Frankincense and resins open the composition, mingling with tonka and vanilla bean for a sensual, sophisticated, and addictive aroma that invites you to linger beside a boutique hotel’s flickering fireplace on a cold night.
    Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Even without the models, the sample runway light show was sensual, inviting, synced with pulsing music.
    Evan Clark, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The elegant, sculptural jar is refillable and quickly dispenses a dose with a small press, making for a truly sensorial pre-bed ritual.
    Deanna Pai, Vogue, 18 Oct. 2025
  • More than that, the brand also aimed to evoke feelings of nostalgia, inviting guests on a sensorial journey through its fashion and fragrance for the first time.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sensuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensuous. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sensuous

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