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

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 voluptuous Minerality, slight salinity and light flavors with a voluptuous bright cherry and slight caramel finish. Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025 First, there are bowls of ground Maré sandalwood heartwood, then sandalwood cuttings and the liquid extract of sandalwood, which gives a creamy, voluptuous smell. Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 23 May 2025 The voluptuous violence of Strauss’s score adds to the richness of the conception. Alex Ross, New Yorker, 19 May 2025 That said, in the meantime, the artist is embracing her postpartum body, which is more voluptuous after multiple children. Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for voluptuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for voluptuous
sensual
Adjective
  • Your sensual pleasure and romantic desires will never be the same again once Uranus enters mutable Gemini on July 7.
    Liz Simmons, StyleCaster, 24 June 2025
  • Misner’s sensual signature look speaks in service to the contours of the body, using draping techniques to extend and celebrate curves.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Voluptuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/voluptuous. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on voluptuous

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