SENSUAL Synonyms: 29 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

sensual

adjective

ˈsen(t)-sh(ə-)wəl

Definition of sensual next

as in sensuous

pleasing to the physical senses the sensual feel of a velvet shirt against the skin

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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 His live version from Live at Sin-e is a reverent prayer, as spiritual, sensual and truthful as any song will ever hear. —

Steve Baltin, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 The ads are sensual and gorgeous, featuring actors like Benicio del Toro and Twin Peaks’s Heather Graham, Lara Flynn Boyle, and James Marshall shot in close-ups in moonlit black-and-white. —

Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 17 Jan. 2025 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 See all Example Sentences for sensual

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensual

Adjective

Influenced by Robert Bresson’s Pickpocket,Schrader takes sensuous pleasure not only in objectifying his male lead, who plays a character that eagerly agrees to his own objectification, but also in the surfaces of his environment.

— Vikram Murthi, Vulture, 21 Jan. 2025
Spicy and sensuous, the woody spicy scent features notes of incense and black pepper.

— Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024