sensual

adjective

ˈsen(t)-sh(ə-)wəl How to pronounce sensual (audio)
Definition of sensualnext
as in sensuous
pleasing to the physical senses the sensual feel of a velvet shirt against the skin

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word sensual different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of sensual are animal, carnal, and fleshly. While all these words mean "having a relation to the body," sensual may apply to any gratification of a bodily desire or pleasure but commonly implies sexual appetite with absence of the spiritual or intellectual.

fleshpots providing sensual delights

When could animal be used to replace sensual?

Although the words animal and sensual have much in common, animal stresses the physical as distinguished from the rational nature of a person.

led a mindless animal existence

When might carnal be a better fit than sensual?

In some situations, the words carnal and sensual are roughly equivalent. However, carnal may mean only this but more often connotes derogatorily an action or manifestation of a person's lower nature.

a slave to carnal desires

How are the words fleshly and carnal related as synonyms of sensual?

Fleshly is less derogatory than carnal.

a saint who had experienced fleshly temptations

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 sensual Jenner, like her sister Kim Kardashian, has often turned to Margiela for her most major moments, with an affinity for the house’s sensual, body-exulting designs. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 30 Jan. 2026 Produced by Nyal, the track laces Duque’s suave vocals and Hamilton’s sugary tones on sensual and chill Afrobeats melody. —Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 30 Jan. 2026 Unlike the ensemble modeled on the runway, Tyla put a sensual spin on her performance attire, stripping the look back and opting to wear the cardigan off her shoulders. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 28 Jan. 2026 With the Sugarcubes dissolved, Björk and Hooper’s Debut relished in cartwheeling beats and sensual delights. —Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 24 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sensual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensual
  1. sensuous
  2. lush
  3. pleasant
  4. delicious
  5. voluptuous
  6. delightful
  7. luxurious
  8. carnal
Adjective
  • All reward deep listening, elements subtly shifting underfoot in an alert yet sensuous way.
    — Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
  • But ultimately, this trip is a sensuous, unhurried immersion for wine-lovers in terroir, designed for oenophiles who prefer their grands crus paired with time, elegance, and the soft rhythms of the river.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 Jan. 2026
Definition of sensuous
Adjective
  • This small town is surrounded by lush green landscapes and enjoys temperatures that are consistently 20 degrees lower than metro Phoenix, making for moderate weather year-round.
    — Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The lush mixed planting includes canna, coleus, ornamental grass, and rose campion.
    — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of lush
Adjective
  • Dry, pleasant weather returns over the weekend for Valentine's Day, with high temperatures in the mid-to-upper 70s, light winds and mostly sunny skies.
    — Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 13 Feb. 2026
  • If this feels outside of your comfort zone, opt for a simple, pleasant one-line opening.
    — Outside, Outside, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of pleasant
Adjective
  • Thanks in advance for your participation in making this year’s roster the most voted on yet — and for helping to keep our city delicious.
    — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Southern Living’s recipe catalog is proof that there are countless delicious ways to cook up a breakfast casserole, but for some reason, this Cheesy Sausage-And-Croissant Casserole has stuck with our family.
    — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of delicious
Adjective
  • In the Wild Eyed Rose, the voluptuous tartness of the grenadine gets to arc across the whole palate, supported by the warm light malt of the Irish whiskey and given a malic kiss at the end by the lime juice.
    — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 7 Feb. 2026
  • The 30-second spot features a voluptuous humanoid woman and her muscular male companion dancing at a club with bottles in hand.
    — Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Definition of voluptuous
Adjective
  • But like all good soapy murders, a body—the maid of honor’s—soon (literally) washes up, plunging the entire wedding party into delightful whodunit mayhem.
    — Stephanie Bai, The Atlantic, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Pay a little attention to the principles of balance and use the right stuff, however, and the Cosmopolitan becomes an absolutely delightful drink, juicy with citrus, bright with cranberry, surprisingly strong and impressively clean.
    — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of delightful
Adjective
  • Mesa is a perfect family town with many safe and luxurious neighborhood communities, like the Eastmark neighborhood.
    — Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Cyklar Roll-On Perfume Oil Made from a blend of cardamom, amber, cashmere wood, and vanilla, this luxurious perfume oil evokes a cozy, irresistible feel that’s perfect for winter as well as year-round wear.
    — Melony Forcier, InStyle, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of luxurious
Adjective
  • The average viewer imagines all sort of carnal activities happening, titillated by what might appear onscreen once the visuals kick in.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Wuthering Heights, the writer-director Emerald Fennell’s new adaptation of Emily Brontë’s groundbreaking Gothic novel, is her best film to date—a heaving, rip-snortingly carnal good time at the cinema.
    — David Sims, The Atlantic, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of carnal

Browse Nearby Words

sensory
sensual
sensualist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sensual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensual. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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