sensational

adjective

sen·​sa·​tion·​al sen-ˈsā-sh(ə-)nəl 

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

• juicy
• colorful
• screaming
• sensationalistic
• sensationalist
• theatrical
• lurid
• dramatic

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

The gearbox is absolutely sensational to use, the full-size paddle-shifters working with a satisfyingly mechanical click, which epitomizes the W1’s commitment to feel and feedback. — Jason Barlow, Robb Report, 7 July 2026

There was nothing, for example, Cape Verde could have done about Messi’s sensational opening goal. — Graham Ruthven, New York Times, 6 July 2026

Context that undermines sensational allegations is minimized. — Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026

Thomson’s most interesting point is that many movies are too busy being sensational to serve as a window to the world. — Michael O’Donnell, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sensational

• formational
• foundational
• gestational
• gradational
• locational
• mutational
• notational
• relational
• rotational
• translational
• vibrational
• vocational

Kids Definition

sensational

adjective

sen·​sa·​tion·​al sen-ˈsā-shnəl 

-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