Synonym Chooser

How is the word voluptuous distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of voluptuous are luxurious, sensual, and sensuous. While all these words mean "relating to or providing pleasure through gratification of the senses," voluptuous implies more strongly an abandonment especially to sensual pleasure.

a voluptuous feast

When is it sensible to use luxurious instead of voluptuous?

While the synonyms luxurious and voluptuous are close in meaning, luxurious suggests the indulgence of sensuous pleasure inducing bodily ease and languor.

a luxurious hotel

When can sensual be used instead of voluptuous?

The words sensual and voluptuous can be used in similar contexts, but 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

When might sensuous be a better fit than voluptuous?

The synonyms sensuous and voluptuous are sometimes interchangeable, but sensuous implies gratification of the senses for the sake of aesthetic pleasure.

the sensuous delights of great music

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 voluptuous The voluptuous Madeline steals Ernest away, sending Helen into a downward spiral. Frank Rizzo, Variety, 22 Nov. 2024 The seductive and voluptuous Jessica Rabbit is Roger’s wife. Zack Sharf, Variety, 1 Nov. 2024 The minimalist brand’s look was amplified to the max by its voluptuous silhouette — defined by sharp padded shoulders and a collarless neckline, and hourglass-like angles that nipped at the waist. Charlie Carballo, WWD, 26 Oct. 2024 The show has stumbled into some level of culture war drama with the idea that the traditionally voluptuous Lara Croft is not attractive enough, but that’s neither the case nor related to any of the show’s actual problems. Paul Tassi, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for voluptuous 

Thesaurus Entries Near voluptuous

Cite this Entry

“Voluptuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/voluptuous. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on voluptuous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!