1
as in juicy
arousing a strong and usually superficial interest or emotional reaction the sensational news story caused a stir, but after a few days everyone forgot about it

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in sensory
of or relating to physical sensation or the senses sensational hallucinations

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of sensational Seattle Mariners star center fielder Julio Rodríguez opened the team’s game with a sensational catch against the New York Yankees Wednesday at T-Mobile Park. Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2025 But the stories that dominate the media often focus on criminals or sensational cases. Laura Castañeda, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 May 2025 Saturday also saw a sensational women’s 200-meter finish as Olympic gold medalist Gabby Thomas held off Melissa Jefferson-Wooden to win her signature event in a season-best 21.95. Fabian Lyon, Miami Herald, 5 May 2025 Bill Belichick, the erstwhile special-teams assistant, once delivered a sensational, 10-minute reply to a question about how long snappers became obligatory virtuosos. Tim Graham, New York Times, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for sensational
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensational
Adjective
  • Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories.
    Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 15 May 2025
  • Crispy, juicy and peppery, McCrispy Strips are the next big thing in dipping.
    Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • According to some, binaural beats can lead to something called brainwave entrainment—essentially using sensory stimulations to affect brain's electrical activity.
    Alex Backus, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
  • The insula, meanwhile, is key in pain processing and other sensory signaling.
    Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Additionally, having read about the extensive fabric testing conducted by Article to ensure abrasion resistance (150% more testing than industry standard!), I was reassured that this would be an excellent investment piece for our home.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 12 May 2025
  • That means that barring a massive night by Brunson -- who is dealing with two excellent perimeter defenders in Jrue Holiday and Derrick White -- the Celtics should be able to not only win, but cover, for the second game in a row.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • Grief has grayed-out her love for colorful creation.
    Lorraine Berry, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025
  • Emily’s black and white lines, neckties and waistcoats are juxtaposed with Stephanie’s colorful floral sweaters and flowing skirts.
    Jemal Polson, CNN Money, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • The sensual scenes between Orlando and Trinidad are more scorching than a blistering summer day, and Cunningham expertly builds their emotional connection while never letting up on their physical sparks.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 19 May 2025
  • In this provocative yet lavish and sensual biopic about controversial poet Eduard Limonov, Serebrennikov — along with co-writer and Oscar winner Paweł Pawlikowski — deepens his confrontational, love-hate exploration of his homeland’s culture and history.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • And now more people can experience this wonderful adventure on Netflix starting May 15, 2025.
    Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
  • Its deep, shiny green foliage is a wonderful complement to the perfectly peachy hue of each rose.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • This includes a Foam Bathing Suite, offering a sensorial sound and light experience for parties of four to six people.
    Amanda Lauren, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Plus, its delicately fruity scent makes this a sensorial experience from start to finish.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Comment Wow, what a terrific series finale to Luthen, the acclaimed Disney+ show about the rebel who challenged an Empire, and also all of the other rebels, mostly by lecturing them incessantly.
    Jesse Hassenger, Vulture, 14 May 2025
  • Already an Olympic bronze medalist thanks to her play for Team USA's 3 vs. 3 squad at the 2024 Paris games, Van Lith concluded a terrific NCAA career with a final season starring in the Big 12 for Texas Christian University.
    Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sensational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensational. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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