Synonyms of voluptuous

voluptuous

adjective

və-ˈləp(t)-shə-wəs 

as in sensual

pleasing to the physical senses

the voluptuous richness of the music

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sensual
• lush
• sensuous
• delicious
• pleasant
• delightful
• luxurious
• luscious
• carnal
• fleshly
• pleasing
• bodily
• corporeal
• delectable
• dreamy
• pleasurable
• scrumptious
• gratifying
• agreeable
• palatable
• epicurean
• self-indulgent

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• painful
• uncomfortable
• harsh
• hideous
• disgusting
• foul
• icky

Synonym Chooser

How is the word voluptuous distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of voluptuous are luxurious, sensual, and sensuous. While all these words mean "relating to or providing pleasure through gratification of the senses," voluptuous implies more strongly an abandonment especially to sensual pleasure.

a voluptuous feast

When is it sensible to use luxurious instead of voluptuous?

While the synonyms luxurious and voluptuous are close in meaning, luxurious suggests the indulgence of sensuous pleasure inducing bodily ease and languor.

a luxurious hotel

When can sensual be used instead of voluptuous?

The words sensual and voluptuous can be used in similar contexts, but 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

When might sensuous be a better fit than voluptuous?

The synonyms sensuous and voluptuous are sometimes interchangeable, but sensuous implies gratification of the senses for the sake of aesthetic pleasure.

the sensuous delights of great music

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of voluptuous

The voluptuous installation, spearheaded by Amy Kule, a longtime producer of the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and Fourth of July Fireworks show, will remain on display through Wednesday (March 5). —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 5 Mar. 2025

The 35,000-year-old Venus of Hohle Fels, a small sculpture of a voluptuous woman, could be considered humanity’s first pin-up model. —Chris Erik Thomas, Them, 10 Feb. 2025

The hourglass is considered voluptuous because the hip and bust appear larger, but a slim and small-framed person can also have this body type. Strengths of the hourglass body shape People with the hourglass body shape are said to have the most proportionate body type. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025

Think: strolls under canopies of Spanish Moss trees illuminated by a voluptuous scarlet moon. —Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024