sensual

adjective

sen·​su·​al ˈsen(t)-sh(ə-)wəl 

-shəl

1

: relating to or consisting in the gratification of the senses or the indulgence of appetite : fleshly

2

: sensory sense 1

3

a

: devoted to or preoccupied with the senses or appetites

b

: voluptuous

c

: deficient in moral, spiritual, or intellectual interests : worldly

especially : irreligious

sensuality

ˌsen(t)-shə-ˈwa-lə-tē 

noun

sensually

ˈsen(t)-sh(ə-)wə-lē 

ˈsen-shə-lē

adverb

Synonyms

• carnal
• fleshly
• luscious
• lush
• sensuous
• voluptuous

Choose the Right Synonym for sensual

carnal, fleshly, sensual, animal mean having a relation to the body.

carnal may mean only this but more often connotes derogatorily an action or manifestation of a person's lower nature.

gave in to carnal desires

fleshly is less derogatory than carnal.

a saint who had experienced fleshly temptations

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

animal stresses the physical as distinguished from the rational nature of a person.

led a mindless animal existence

sensuous, sensual, luxurious, voluptuous 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

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

luxurious suggests the indulgence of sensuous pleasure inducing bodily ease and languor.

a luxurious hotel

voluptuous implies more strongly an abandonment especially to sensual pleasure.

a voluptuous feast

Examples of sensual in a Sentence

A sharp observer with a pleasing eye for sensual detail, Jaffrey weaves a richly textured story in which she effortlessly mingles quotidian dramas with historic events including the partition of India. —Michelle Green, People, 6 Nov. 2006

And Rousseau, in his Confessions, wrote of the sensual pleasure he found in simple meals of peasant cheeses and breads. —Andrea Lee, Gourmet, May 2004

Certain fragrances apparently heighten sensual experiences.

the sensual feel of a velvet shirt against the skin

Recent Examples on the Web

On occasion, the film underlines its wider social points with a heavy hand, though there’s sensual fluency and delicacy here too. —Guy Lodge, Variety, 1 Feb. 2025

The designer’s spring 2025 Michael Kors Collection draws inspiration from the Mediterranean with timeless, sensual silhouettes and intricate handwork. —Jean E. Palmieri, WWD, 31 Jan. 2025

Ludovic De St Sernin was the guest designer for Jean Paul Gaultier's Spring/Summer 2025 Couture show... ...and brought his usual sensual flair to the off-shoulder gowns. —Alice Pfeiffer, CNN, 31 Jan. 2025

That allows — credibly, given the material — for a sensual side to the steps and risqué costuming. —Ray Mark Rinaldi, The Denver Post, 20 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin sensualis, from Latin sensus sense

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

sensual

adjective

sen·​su·​al ˈsench-(ə-)wəl 

ˈsen-shəl

1

: relating to or consisting in the pleasing of the senses

2

: devoted to the pleasures of the senses

sensuality

ˌsen-chə-ˈwal-ət-ē 

noun

sensually

ˈsench-(ə-)wə-lē 

ˈsen-shə-lē

adverb

Medical Definition

sensual

adjective

sen·​su·​al ˈsench-(ə-)wəl, ˈsen-shəl 

1

: sensory sense 1

2

: relating to or consisting in the gratification of the senses or the indulgence of appetite

3

: devoted to or preoccupied with the senses or appetites