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

The mother and child in sensuous alabaster. — Air Mail, 13 June 2026

Beyond its tartness, its specificity, and the sensuous, elliptical line work of its prose, the book serves as a vinegary corrective to the novel of nostalgic country-house girlhood. — Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 10 June 2026

His rhythmic language is Latin, as is Negrón’s, but in Sierra’s case that is used not so much for its own sake but to draw you into his overlays of complex counterpoint and sensuous Ravel-like colors. — Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026

Noll was a French artist and furniture-maker whose work with wood made the material feel and look like clay to sensuous effect. — Wendy Goodman, Curbed, 15 May 2026