noun

sex appeal

SEKS uh-peel

Sex appeal (noun) means the quality of being sexually attractive to others, whether from looks, manner, voice or confidence. Example: “He has a scruffy, unbothered sex appeal that photographs badly and works in person.”

noun

The quality of being sexually attractive to others, whether from looks, manner, voice or confidence.

"He has a scruffy, unbothered sex appeal that photographs badly and works in person."

"The campaign traded entirely on the singer's sex appeal."

The power of something to attract interest or custom by association with sex or glamour.

"Electric cars finally acquired some sex appeal."

How to Use Sex appeal

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe quality that makes someone sexually attractive.

When to use it

Neutral and printable; standard in journalism and advertising, not vulgar.

Easily confused with

sexiness charisma → attractiveness →

Common pairings

oozes sex appeal raw sex appeal lacks sex appeal

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Can you complete this real example?

He has a scruffy, unbothered _____ that photographs badly and works in person.

Synonyms

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sexiness allure magnetism attractiveness charisma it factor glamour cachet

Related Words

looks beauty chemistry attract charm attraction prestige temptation

Rhymes for sex appeal

deal zeal teal real meal seal heal peal veal Neal beal ideal

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between sex appeal and beauty?

Beauty is about how someone looks and can be admired from a distance without any pull. Sex appeal is about the response they provoke, which is why plenty of conventionally beautiful people have little of it and plenty of ordinary-looking people have a great deal.

Can you develop sex appeal?

To a degree, yes, since much of it comes from confidence, attentiveness, voice and how someone carries themselves rather than fixed features. It is also partly in the eye of the beholder, so no one has it universally.

Is sex appeal one word or two?

Two words in standard English. It is not hyphenated except occasionally before a noun.

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