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 An upcoming collaboration explores the sensual side of denim. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 12 June 2025 From sensual massages to the comfort that comes with loyalty, this transit is about honoring your values and sense of self-worth. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 6 June 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for sensual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensual
Adjective
  • Physically demanding and often extraordinarily sensuous, his ballets are hard to look away from.
    David Lyman, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
  • White Space, founded by Khadijah Fulton in 2016; Los Angeles Related Articles Price range: $500 to $11,000 Aesthetic: Clean, sensuous lines juxtaposed against organic pearl shapes and unexpected details.
    Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • There’s a rare beauty in waking up to the reddish-orange glow of the morning sun over lush vineyards after a good night’s sleep under a twinkling night sky.
    Rafael Peña, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2025
  • With a set that featured lush green hills and intricate cultural motifs, the visuals matched the depth of his message: Puerto Rican culture was front and center — not for explanation but for celebration.
    Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • Like, so deeply moral and kind and pleasant and smart.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 14 July 2025
  • Like so deeply moral and kind and pleasant and smart.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • Since the lawyers meet to try the city’s best restaurant, there are plenty of close-ups of their meals and everything looks delicious.
    Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
  • Pick up some bright red tomatoes for a salad, homemade soap, vegetables for a delicious dinner or fresh bread straight from the oven at your local market.
    Kaitlyn Keegan, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • Subsequent excavations at the site have unearthed voluptuous female figurines, prompting researchers to speculate that Catalhoyuk’s Neolithic inhabitants worshipped a fertility deity known as the Mother Goddess.
    Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 July 2025
  • Due to her voluptuous figure and her rising status as a publicity magnet, Twentieth Century Fox signed Mansfield to a contract with the hopes of turning her into the next Marilyn Monroe.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • Those dropshots are delightful toppings to the dessert collection of sweet spot strokes in Alcaraz’s armory.
    Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • What began with her apprehension about how the kitten would adapt quickly turned into a delightful surprise.
    Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • The living quarters are outfitted with luxurious materials, such as marble, teak, and bronze, as well as chic pieces from the Elie Saab Maison collection.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 11 July 2025
  • Investing in your body care routine can transform your daily regimen into a luxurious ritual, especially with the skin-baring summer months ahead.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Each issue centers around the bonds that women form with each other, and in this case, forged vis-à-vis a carnal and violent bloodbath.
    Tiffany Leigh, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • Modern filmmaking gets no better than Hernández’s balance of carnal and mundane conduct — Marco and Orlando’s physical yearning matches their career ambitions.
    Armond White, National Review, 25 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sensual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensual. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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