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

• juicy
• colorful
• sensationalistic
• screaming
• sensationalist
• theatrical
• theatric
• 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

On this night, Green Bay’s defense was sensational, holding the Lions to 246 yards. —Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025

The captain’s comeback was sensational, but now the real grind begins. —Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 6 Sep. 2025

Carlos Alcaraz produced a sensational behind-the-back shot during his victory over Arthur Rinderknech at the US Open, winning the point from his quick-thinking improvisation. —George Ramsay, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2025

Almost none of the incidents and memories that cut into Jay’s sense of self are dramatic or sensational in their own right. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sensational

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

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