SENSUOUS Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

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

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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

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 sensuous Not a whiffet of sensuous aroma. —

Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 20 Oct. 2025 But only once has the mercantile danced with the affluent to such sensuous effect in the realm of fiction. —

JSTOR Daily, 18 Oct. 2025 Clothes felt sensuous without overt sexuality and bareness. —

Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2025 Hamilton has created an environment that feels both grand and cocoon-like, with velvet armchairs in rich jewel tones, sensuous materials like marble and leather, and a confident colour palette that echoes the surrounding natural landscape. —

Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sensuous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensuous

Adjective

The Barbie wears pink noise-cancelling headphones designed to reduce sensory overload.

— Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 12 Jan. 2026
The doll also was given articulated elbows and wrists to acknowledge stimming, hand flapping and other gestures that some autistic people use to process sensory information or to express excitement, according to Mattel.

— Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 12 Jan. 2026