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

Quarterback Josh Allen was sensational Sunday in the Bills’ 28-21 win over the Chiefs at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. —Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2025

Sports is always dramatic, with sensational headlines especially during a contract negotiation—there’s no reason to expect women’s basketball to be any different. —Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2025

Mikita Brottman and David Brottman point out that the latter, more sensational, mode was often the more appealing in entertainment. —JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2025

Here’s a look at some properties putting the ho-ho-ho in hotel by promising a sensational staycation over the holidays. —David Dickstein, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sensational

• formational
• foundational
• gestational
• gradational
• locational
• mutational
• nonrational
• notational
• relational
• rotational
• translational
• vibrational

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