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 There is the trademark feline flick and voluptuous eyelashes; the bold lipsticks, from red to pink; glamorous blow dries; and her bold eyebrows, expertly filled in. Hannah Coates, Vogue, 20 Sep. 2024 The ride that Petersen had chosen was short: a series of switchbacks, climbing to an overlook, and then a long, voluptuous descent. Anna Wiener, The New Yorker, 16 Sep. 2024 This voluptuous grass wreath offers an effortless and contemporary look. Jen Cason, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Sep. 2024 Watteau’s voluptuous reclining nude looks back expectantly over her shoulder. Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 13 Aug. 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 22 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on voluptuous

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