CARNAL Synonyms: 89 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'carnal' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of carnal are animal , fleshly , and sensual . While all these words 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. // a slave to carnal desires

Q: When can 'animal' be used instead of 'carnal'?

While the synonyms animal and carnal are close in meaning, animal stresses the physical as distinguished from the rational nature of a person. // led a mindless animal existence

Q: How do 'fleshly' and 'carnal' relate to one another?

Fleshly is less derogatory than carnal . // a saint who had experienced fleshly temptations

Q: When is it sensible to use 'sensual' instead of 'carnal'?

While in some cases nearly identical to carnal , 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

carnal

adjective

ˈkär-nᵊl

Definition of carnal next

as in mundane

having to do with life on earth especially as opposed to that in heaven the preacher warned that those who were interested only in carnal pursuits would not see the kingdom of heaven

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in physical

of or relating to the human body a missionary who tends to the carnal needs of the people as well as to their spiritual concerns

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sensual

pleasing to the physical senses carnal attractions of that gambling mecca in the desert

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of carnal are animal, fleshly, and sensual. While all these words 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.

a slave to carnal desires

When can animal be used instead of carnal?

While the synonyms animal and carnal are close in meaning, animal stresses the physical as distinguished from the rational nature of a person.

led a mindless animal existence

How do fleshly and carnal relate to one another?

Fleshly is less derogatory than carnal.

a saint who had experienced fleshly temptations

When is it sensible to use sensual instead of carnal?

While in some cases nearly identical to carnal, 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

Examples 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 carnal There's two parts of us, our highest good, and then our carnal, material self. —

Jack Irvin, Peoplemag, 20 Sep. 2024 His timbre is as much a betrayal as his taste for the carnal press of white and caramel skin. —

Lauren Michele Jackson, The New Yorker, 13 Sep. 2024 The amber adds a level of warmth that brings out the carnal, seductive side of the scent. —

Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 5 Sep. 2024 When the duo finally arrived inside, the sound — and general vibe — in the theater could only be described as carnal. —

Ellise Shafer, Variety, 1 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for carnal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for carnal

Adjective

The paranormal phenomena spooking Spongebob and Squidward has a mundane explanation, but the entity flickering the lights turns out to be none other than Nosferatu, who reassures them with a terrifying smile; amusingly, Spongebob and Squidward are relieved to see him.

Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
The skin tones of these black actors, seen in mundane settings, achieve an aesthetic advance that elevates Leigh’s sociological vision.

Armond White, National Review, 11 Dec. 2024