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.
Las Vegas Review-journal/TNS Three decades, two dozen witnesses and weeks of sensational and fiery testimony later, closing arguments are set to begin Monday in the trial for the only person ever charged with the murder of rap icon Tupac Shakur. — Sasha Pezenik, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026 On the second play of the Chargers’ second possession, Herbert connected with wide receiver Quentin Johnston over the middle on a sensational 65-yard touchdown pass. — Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026 The capacity of most object narrators to travel in intimate proximity to human bodies prompted authors to relate sensational, fly-on-the-wall details about people’s private lives. — Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2026 In the midst of a sensational sophomore season, Bueckers seems destined for her second straight All-WNBA selection and has the Wings in the playoffs for the first time since the 2023 season. — Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 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 4 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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