sensational
adjective
sen·sa·tion·al
sen-ˈsā-sh(ə-)nəl 
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
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
Kenady made a sensational diving catch in the right-field corner to end the game.
—
Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2026
Heney was nothing short of sensational, following the home run by holding 18 straight batters without a hit.
—Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 8 June 2026
Instead of sculpting a sensational Trail of Tears scene of violent removal, Lewis opts for something tranquil.
—Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 8 June 2026
There are valid criticisms surrounding the true crime genre, including accusations that the medium has become sensational and exploitative.
—James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for sensational
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Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2026
Heney was nothing short of sensational, following the home run by holding 18 straight batters without a hit.
—Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 8 June 2026
Instead of sculpting a sensational Trail of Tears scene of violent removal, Lewis opts for something tranquil.
—Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 8 June 2026
There are valid criticisms surrounding the true crime genre, including accusations that the medium has become sensational and exploitative.
—James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for sensational
Cite this Entry
“Sensational.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensational. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
adverb
-ē
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