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Definition of carnal

carnal

/ˈkɑːr.nəl/
car · nal
Adverb:carnally
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carnal Lexical Profile

carnal Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Relating to physical, especially sexual, needs, desires, and activities.

Example

"The novel explores the conflict between strict moral duty and intense carnal desire."

2

Worldly or temporal, as opposed to spiritual or religious.

Example

"Monastic life required novices to renounce their carnal attachments and devote themselves entirely to contemplation."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for carnal

• Rhymes for carnal

• Nearby Words

carmen
carmine
carnage
carnal
carnation
carnie
carnifex

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late Middle Ages from Christian Latin carnalis ('fleshly, physical'), derived from Latin caro (stem carn-), meaning 'flesh' or 'meat'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Carnal. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/carnal
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