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 four-course dinner is always sensational—feast on anything from progressive local cuisine to British classics. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

The choreography by brothers Rick Kuperman and Jeff Kuperman is sensational. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026

Before that was Duplicity and in 2007 his sensational Oscar-nominated Michael Clayton. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2026

Other sensational Sepang memories involve the severe rainstorms that regularly threaten this track. — Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 2 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