sensational

adjective

sen·​sa·​tion·​al sen-ˈsā-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce sensational (audio)
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 The Packers’ offensive line has been sensational, paving the way for the ground game, while allowing just 1.3 sacks per game. Rob Reischel, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024 The matchup caps a historic season with record attendance, a sensational rookie of the year in Caitlin Clark and superstars across the league. Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 10 Oct. 2024 On the heels of the release of the latest Menendez brothers rehash, The Hollywood Reporter has learned that Heidi Fleiss is the next sensational 1990s news phenomenon to get the in-depth doc treatment. Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Oct. 2024 Be especially suspicious of sensational or emotionally charged language, and know the difference between reporters and commentators. Larry Magid, The Mercury News, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sensational 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sensational.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sensational was in 1807

Dictionary Entries Near sensational

Cite this Entry

“Sensational.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensational. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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

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