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

Otherwise, one writer from the first season (Jeff Strauss) is included, but nobody with a high enough profile is there to say anything that might be interpreted as sensational or sensationalistic. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2026

In a freakier offshoot of the romantasy that has overtaken bestseller lists in recent years, these monster tales have sensational titles and even wilder plots. — Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026

This is a sensational engine, with tremendous character, endless low range and midrange muscle for rapid passing, and surprisingly smooth and refined high-speed cruising. — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2026

But, beyond the wall-to-wall coverage and sensational headlines, is a story about the incredible courage, devotion, and strength that Natalee’s mother, Beth, showed in the face of unimaginable loss. — Peter White, Deadline, 15 Oct. 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