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

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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 Why female superheroes in particular, after their sensational starts? — Jake Coyle, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026 Why female superheroes in particular, after their sensational starts? — Jake Coyle, Fortune, 28 June 2026 The small island nation made its World Cup debut this year with a sensational game against Spain, one of the countries considered a favorite to win the tournament. — Doha Madani, NBC news, 26 June 2026 Those experiences taught me that the reality of Ebola is simultaneously less sensational and far more challenging than most people imagine. — Krutika Kuppalli, STAT, 26 June 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
  • After the 10-episode season, comedian Katherine Ryan will return to host a juicy reunion special.
    — Ellise Shafer, Variety, 13 July 2026
  • Directions Place 1/2 cup of the blackberries in a medium bowl; lightly crush using a wooden spoon until juicy.
    — Josh Miller, Southern Living, 12 July 2026
Definition of juicy
Adjective
  • Anderson’s cruise 2027 collection exchanged sensory moments for Hollywood fantasy.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 14 July 2026
  • Campers will explore water through different experiments, sensory play, creative projects and engineering builds.
    — Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 13 July 2026
Definition of sensory
Adjective
  • Rocket is known for its excellent customer service and easy-to-use website and mobile app.
    — Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 13 July 2026
  • Bagworm is excellent and I am thrilled Oscilloscope will be bringing this cinematic fever dream to a theater near you.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 13 July 2026
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • That colorful flipbook of adlibs in her back pocket makes the experience even better.
    — Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 16 July 2026
  • Admire colorful blooms at the Lotus and Water Lily Festival, enjoy art at the Smithsonian Castle after-hours, or watch the World Cup final.
    — Fritz Hahn, Washington Post, 16 July 2026
Definition of colorful
Adjective
  • But in keeping with its protagonist’s difficulty staring at his feelings head-on, The Vampire Lestat—and the marketing that preceded its premiere—doesn’t start with ballads or sensual odes to far-reaching love.
    — Hannah Giorgis Yohannes, Vanity Fair, 13 July 2026
  • Any greater eroticism is largely kept off screen, but such scenes crackle with sensual possibility.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 July 2026
Definition of sensual
Adjective
  • There was something wonderful about the energy of the space—sprinkled with students diligently studying for final exams.
    — Dana Kravis, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
  • The airline’s business class is well worth the splurge, thanks to the delicious food and beverage offerings, comfortable seats, innovative programs, and wonderful service on board.
    — Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 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
  • 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
  • At the Canadian Pavilion, Abbas Akhavan created a sensorial environment centered on fragility, displacement, breath, and survival.
    — Thomas Rom, ARTnews.com, 8 June 2026
Definition of sensorial

Browse Nearby Words

sensation
sensational
sensationalist
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Cite this Entry

“Sensational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensational. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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