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
Synonyms of sensational
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 29-year-old is on pace for career highs in a slew of statistical categories — including points and assists per game, and field-goal and true shooting percentages — and was coming off a sensational 50-point performance Saturday night against the Clippers.
—
Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 6 Jan. 2026
But despite Derrick Henry’s early dominance on the ground and Jackson’s sensational fourth quarter, another season ended in excruciating fashion.
—Noah Trister, Denver Post, 6 Jan. 2026
Ole Miss has scored 41 and 39 points in its first two playoff games, and quarterback Trinidad Chambliss has been sensational.
—Jordan Mendoza, USA Today, 4 Jan. 2026
Brock Purdy has been sensational lately but his past three performances came against the Bears, Colts and Titans.
—Hank Gola, New York Daily News, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sensational
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Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 6 Jan. 2026
But despite Derrick Henry’s early dominance on the ground and Jackson’s sensational fourth quarter, another season ended in excruciating fashion.
—Noah Trister, Denver Post, 6 Jan. 2026
Ole Miss has scored 41 and 39 points in its first two playoff games, and quarterback Trinidad Chambliss has been sensational.
—Jordan Mendoza, USA Today, 4 Jan. 2026
Brock Purdy has been sensational lately but his past three performances came against the Bears, Colts and Titans.
—Hank Gola, New York Daily News, 2 Jan. 2026
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 Jan. 2026.
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
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