SENSUOUS Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'sensuous' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of sensuous are luxurious , sensual , and voluptuous . While all these words 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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'luxurious' instead of 'sensuous'?

While in some cases nearly identical to sensuous , luxurious suggests the indulgence of sensuous pleasure inducing bodily ease and languor. // a luxurious hotel

Q: When can 'sensual' be used instead of 'sensuous'?

Although the words sensual and sensuous have much in common, 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

Q: Where would 'voluptuous' be a reasonable alternative to 'sensuous'?

While the synonyms voluptuous and sensuous are close in meaning, voluptuous implies more strongly an abandonment especially to sensual pleasure. // a voluptuous feast

sensuous

adjective

ˈsen(t)-sh(ə-)wəs

Definition of sensuous next

as in sensory

of or relating to physical sensation or the senses the sensuous pleasure of a massage

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sensual

pleasing to the physical senses a gentle, sensuous breeze

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word sensuous distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of sensuous are luxurious, sensual, and voluptuous. While all these words 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

When is it sensible to use luxurious instead of sensuous?

While in some cases nearly identical to sensuous, luxurious suggests the indulgence of sensuous pleasure inducing bodily ease and languor.

a luxurious hotel

When can sensual be used instead of sensuous?

Although the words sensual and sensuous have much in common, 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

Where would voluptuous be a reasonable alternative to sensuous?

While the synonyms voluptuous and sensuous are close in meaning, voluptuous implies more strongly an abandonment especially to sensual pleasure.

a voluptuous feast

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 sensuous The scent is not divided by gender, but is made for anyone who desires a radiant, sensuous experience. —

Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 5 Sep. 2024 The form may still look recognizably Maranello, but more sensuous lines from nose to tail on new body panels constructed entirely out of carbon fiber to highlight the profile’s inherent muscularity, while more futuristic touches include a headlight design hinting at the revamp beneath the skin. —

Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2024 Traversing her four-decade catalog of hits with vivacious moves and sensuous flow, Janet Jackson injected plenty of charm and contagious energy into a nostalgic Tuesday night at Pine Knob Music Theatre. —

Brian McCollum, Detroit Free Press, 3 July 2024 Cushion inhales deeply as his eyes sweep over the Queen Anne breakfast table with its sensuous, curved legs, the corner cupboard stacked with chinoiserie, the firedogs. —

Annie Proulx, The New Yorker, 30 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for sensuous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensuous

Adjective

Catherine tells the story of her rape as a trauma survivor does, doing her best to conjure the dark collage of sensory details imprinted on her memory.

Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024
Montgomery and Krieps wore separate scents for Jack, Jill and Elizabeth, to provide a sensory trigger to switch between performances.

Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024