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

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 voluptuous Others drew comparisons to Venus of Willendorf, a voluptuous female figurine dating back to 28,000–25,000 BCE. Rosa Rahimi, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2025 The 23-year-old returned with a catchy single for the ladies sporting a more voluptuous figure. Christopher Claxton, Billboard, 17 Mar. 2025 Fans were hyped to see Ice regain her voluptuous figure and showed her love in the replies. Michael Saponara, Billboard, 12 Mar. 2025 The voluptuous installation, spearheaded by Amy Kule, a longtime producer of the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and Fourth of July Fireworks show, will remain on display through Wednesday (March 5). Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for voluptuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for voluptuous
sensual
Adjective
  • The skirt flared softly at the hem, offering movement and bit of drama, a silhouette that felt sensual without trying too hard.
    Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 30 May 2025
  • As a reminder, here's how Scorsese and the three-time Oscar winner worked together to make romantic sublimation and repressed emotions weirdly sensual.
    Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 21 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Voluptuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/voluptuous. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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