1,400 new words in our dictionary! — Parasocial, glow-up, promposal & more
1,400 new words in our dictionary! — More

sensational

adjective

sen-ˈsā-shnəl How to pronounce sensational (audio)
Definition of sensationalnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in excellent
of the very best kind this ice cream is sensational

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 French decadence, magical realism, nineteenth-century sensational fiction. — Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026 Realtors have also done a sensational job of defending their throne. — John Lanchester, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026 The most sensational of the federal probes involved allegations of deputy mistreatment of inmates. — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026 Luzardo had another sensational outing that continues to make the Phillies look smart for not allowing the lefty to test free agency at the end of the season. — CBS News, 7 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sensational
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensational
  1. juicy
  2. sensory
  3. excellent
  4. colorful
  5. sensual
  6. wonderful
  7. screaming
  8. sensorial
Adjective
  • Encased in a sophisticated bottle that calls to mind Tommy Hilfiger fashion, this new scent features a juicy top note of sparkling lychee before settling into a warmer depth of magnolia blossom and a base of vanilla blue.
    — Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Here’s how to sign up — and grab those juicy free trials — before the full-fledged arrival of one of television’s biggest nights.
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of juicy
Adjective
  • As with all Children’s Theatre of Charlotte shows, the troupe also offers a sensory-friendly performance with adjustments to accommodate a variety of audience members.
    — Claire Harutunian, Charlotte Observer, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The process, which recycles optical glass waste product, is a visceral and sensory practice, and speed and movement are key—malleable molten glass waits for no one.
    — Clare Coulson, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of sensory
Adjective
  • An individual company can maintain excellent controls and favorable claims experience while still facing higher pricing because the market has deteriorated around it.
    — Randy Sadler, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Food and drink The property’s on-site restaurant serves decent New American fare in a room that offers the same excellent views as the penthouses, or on the hotel’s delightful terrace during the warmer months.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • By the late 1960s, his portfolio included colorful posters and designs that appeared widely in popular culture, according to his official website.
    — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The colorful soiree, which is entering its 42nd year, marks the end of carnival season and stretches over two weekends.
    — Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of colorful
Adjective
  • For Setting the Mood Heady, sensual, floral—Diptyque does its best work with this sexy and subtle candle that finds its fragrant roots in the opulent, white-blooming Mexican flower.
    — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The latter material adds a raw dimension that says as much about the sensual curves of her figures as their unvarnished material.
    — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of sensual
Adjective
  • That there’s a wonderful wedge salad to brighten up the plate is just icing on the cake.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Ornamental grasses are a wonderful way to spruce up your lawn or add some softness and movement to your garden.
    — Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of wonderful
Adjective
  • There was more screaming and yelling for people who wanted to get a ventilator available in their home.
    — Chris Lee, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2021
Definition of screaming
Adjective
  • Perfumers working with Maison Crivelli are sent a mood board, including photos, videos, oral descriptions of people met, music heard and food tasted — varied sensorial components that describe an adventure Thibaud Crivelli has had.
    — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Nicolas Winding Refn’s audacious return to feature filmmaking is a gorgeous, mysterious act of cinema, sensorial and transgressive, that demands to be experienced on its own terms.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 2 July 2026
Definition of sensorial

Browse Nearby Words

sensation
sensational
sensationalist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sensational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensational. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of volition

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 18
See More

Popular

See More

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
crayons-in-a-circle
Guess the Color Quiz Questions that use the whole box of crayons.
See All