Definition of sensuousnext

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 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 This simply could not be… not Prince, the genius, larger-than-life singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist who rebirthed pop music into a new sensuous funk-new wave-rock-soul musical form known to the world as the Minneapolis Sound. Keith Murphy, VIBE.com, 21 Apr. 2026 Like other living things, plants existed in sentient and even sensuous relation to one another. Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sensuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensuous
Adjective
  • This ancient developmental program, deeply conserved, can also be radically repurposed, as seen in the star-nosed mole's sensory tentacles.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
  • Arthur also pulled together five quieter, more sensory-friendly options in the Charlotte area — including Birkdale Village’s annual midday block party and bike parade, where the Huntersville Fire Department traditionally splashes the crowd before the festivities.
    Melissa Oyler, Charlotte Observer, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Cutouts were a major motif for the dress, and were also featured at the hips for a symmetrical bent to the sensual design.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 28 June 2026
  • Warm and sensual, but with a somewhat fresh, floral drydown.
    Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • At the Canadian Pavilion, Abbas Akhavan created a sensorial environment centered on fragility, displacement, breath, and survival.
    Thomas Rom, ARTnews.com, 8 June 2026
  • What’s more, the product delivers a luxe sensorial experience and a bit of an afterglow.
    Jenny Berg, Vogue, 1 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sensuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensuous. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on sensuous

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster