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

In the video the two singers donned elegant suits and sensual choreography while performing the romance song under a cinematic black-and-white aesthetic. —Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 6 Dec. 2024

Trotter reignited the label with her quietly sensual designs and her focus on textures would gel with Bottega Veneta and her predecessor’s work at the brand. —Luisa Zargani, WWD, 6 Dec. 2024

Here were dazzling, golden scenes of saints and martyrs, some of the most sensual figuration ever put to brush. —Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 6 Dec. 2024

This transportive scent is lush and sensual, leading off with gourmand cherry and rum notes, before setting into a warm cacao, myrrh, and balsam base. —Sarah Hoffmann, Allure, 5 Dec. 2024

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