sensational

adjective

sen·​sa·​tion·​al sen-ˈsā-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce sensational (audio)
Synonyms of sensational
1
: of or relating to sensation or the senses
2
: arousing or tending to arouse (as by lurid details) a quick, intense, and usually superficial interest, curiosity, or emotional reaction
sensational tabloid news
3
: exceedingly or unexpectedly excellent or great
a sensational talent
sensationally adverb

Synonyms of sensational

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Examples of sensational in a Sentence

She looked sensational in her new dress. the sensational news story caused a stir, but after a few days everyone forgot about it
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Sheppard made a sensational, 2-yard touchdown grab in the left corner of the endzone. — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 For those who are not regular watchers of France’s Ligue 1, your first introduction to Ibrahim Mbaye may have been his sensational solo goal at the World Cup for Senegal against France. — Andy Jones, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 That narrow and sensational definition is precisely what keeps women from recognizing and/or reporting their symptoms. — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026 He was poised and showcased his sensational arm against the Commanders second-team defense. — Omar Kelly august 15, Miami Herald, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sensational

Word History

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sensational was in 1807

Rhymes for sensational

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Browse Nearby Words

sensation
sensational
sensationalise
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Cite this Entry

“Sensational.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensational. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sensational

adjective
sen·​sa·​tion·​al sen-ˈsā-shnəl How to pronounce sensational (audio)
-shən-ᵊl, 
sən-
1
: of or relating to sensation or the senses
2
: arousing a strong and usually shallow interest or emotional reaction
sensational news
3
: exceedingly or unexpectedly excellent or great
a sensational diving catch
sensationally
-ē
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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