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
  • This includes training on how to interact with people who have cognitive differences as well as creating sensory-friendly environments.
    Joshua Anbar, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
  • How to get past this sensory nightmare?
    Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The garments by the two designers are arranged side by side or facing each other, allowing visitors to appreciate the contrast between Balenciaga’s formal elegance and Alaïa’s sensual style.
    Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2025
  • This film took us on an unexpected journey through the hallucinating world of the rave dancers in the desert of Morocco, with the specificity of a journalist, and with all the sensual power of a filmmaker.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Kirkè Overdose said that Tiziana Terenzi’s fragrant celebration of beauty — the brand encourages layering and pairing the original Kirkè with its anniversary edition counterpart for a new sensorial experience.
    Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Sensuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensuous. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sensuous

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