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

Doubs then had a sensational postseason with 10 receptions, 234 yards and two TDs in two games. —Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

At the same time, both Harry and Brooklyn have chosen to air their grievances against their families in the most sensational way possible. —Martha Ross, Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2026

Williams made a sensational, fourth-down, desperation touchdown pass in the final minute to force OT, but he was picked off by Kam Curl after Chicago had reached the Rams 48. —Rob Maaddi, Baltimore Sun, 19 Jan. 2026

Allen was sensational in the Bills’ 27-24 win over the Jaguars last week. —Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 17 Jan. 2026

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