sensational

adjective

sen·​sa·​tion·​al sen-ˈsā-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce sensational (audio)
Synonyms of sensationalnext
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
McLean was sensational before exiting. Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 10 Apr. 2026 Anthony is the Florida mother who was acquitted of murdering her 2-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony, after a sensational 2011 trial. Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 7 Apr. 2026 Two nights after exploding for a career-high 51 points, Flagg’s sensational performance was the main reason the Mavericks snapped a 14-game home losing streak in a 134-128 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Mike Curtis, Dallas Morning News, 5 Apr. 2026 The bottom line is, the math is not mathing, which means the Dolphins must have a sensational draft class to help fill the team’s numerous roster voids if the 2026 team is going to be competitive. Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sensational

Word History

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sensational was in 1807

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sensational.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensational. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

sensational

adjective
sen·​sa·​tion·​al sen-ˈsā-shnəl How to pronounce sensational (audio)
-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

More from Merriam-Webster on sensational

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster