1
a
: relating to or given to crude bodily pleasures and appetites
gluttony and other carnal activities
b
: marked by sexuality
carnal love
Synonyms
Examples of carnal in a Sentence
the preacher warned that those who were interested only in carnal pursuits would not see the kingdom of heaven
a missionary who tends to the carnal needs of the people as well as to their spiritual concerns
Recent Examples on the Web
Music does in deed play a big role in the trailer, which shows off a rural Jim Crow Era South setting and sees Black people cutting loose in melodious and carnal celebration.
—
Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Jan. 2025
There's two parts of us, our highest good, and then our carnal, material self.
—Daniela Avila, People.com, 28 Jan. 2025
The album’s best songs thread the needle carefully between carnal aches, pledges to weather relationship highs and lows, and conciliatory admissions that the singer-songwriter and producer doesn’t always make the best choices.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2024
Even Agnes, who stands to earn the film an X rating with her carnal extracurricular activities, behaves in ugly ways.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for carnal 
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Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Jan. 2025
There's two parts of us, our highest good, and then our carnal, material self.
—Daniela Avila, People.com, 28 Jan. 2025
The album’s best songs thread the needle carefully between carnal aches, pledges to weather relationship highs and lows, and conciliatory admissions that the singer-songwriter and producer doesn’t always make the best choices.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2024
Even Agnes, who stands to earn the film an X rating with her carnal extracurricular activities, behaves in ugly ways.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for carnal
Dictionary Entries Near carnal
Cite this Entry
“Carnal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carnal. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
carnal
adjective
car·nal
ˈkärn-ᵊl 
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