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
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
Often sensational in tone and light on substance, these reports typically allege that a company has misstated its financial condition, overstated business prospects, or engaged in improper practices.
—
Tim Reynolds, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025
This is the same front office that let Calais Campbell sign a one-year deal that could potentially be worth $6 million with the Arizona Cardinals, letting the forceful defensive lineman, and sensational team leader walk out the door without a fight.
—Omar Kelly
october 3, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
It is loosely inspired by the notorious Bettencourt affair, one of France’s most sensational political scandals.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
Although the Reds were swept by the Dodgers, Barlow was sensational in Game 1.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sensational
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.
Tim Reynolds, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025
This is the same front office that let Calais Campbell sign a one-year deal that could potentially be worth $6 million with the Arizona Cardinals, letting the forceful defensive lineman, and sensational team leader walk out the door without a fight.
—Omar Kelly
october 3, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
It is loosely inspired by the notorious Bettencourt affair, one of France’s most sensational political scandals.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
Although the Reds were swept by the Dodgers, Barlow was sensational in Game 1.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sensational
Cite this Entry
“Sensational.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensational. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share