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
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.
Willis then turned his career around with a sensational 2024 campaign. Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025 On the surface, there's the sensational one that AI is evil and will wipe us all out if given half a chance. David Szondy june 28, New Atlas, 28 June 2025 Many of the films under review were derived from sensational source material optioned by a studio only to be de-sexualized (at least on the page) and rendered the most distant of cousins to their sources. Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025 The story of Karen Read — recently found not guilty after a sensational murder trial that drew wall-to-wall media coverage and inspired a fierce public reckoning — is described as more than a courtroom drama. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for sensational

Word History

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sensational was in 1807

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sensational.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensational. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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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