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

Miami won the 2023 Leagues Cup in sensational fashion, with the final merely a month after Messi debuted. —Tom Bogert, New York Times, 30 Nov. 2025

Usha Vance remains active alongside her husband and in charitable initiatives, with her spokesperson emphasizing routine family matters to dispel sensational rumors. —Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025

But Norwell senior goalie Nicholas Fein robbed Andrade by making a sensational diving stop to his right. —Greg Dudek, Boston Herald, 23 Nov. 2025

Elusive junior quarterback Ki Ellison was sensational, and his scrambling and ability to throw on the run left Creek’s big defensive linemen gasping for breath in the second half. —Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 23 Nov. 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