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

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 Best Ways to Enjoy As noted, the flesh of dragon fruit is sensational as is—but consider that your jumping-off point. Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 21 June 2026 Ibrahimović is known for being a hard guy to impress, but after seeing the USMNT up close for two matches on the world's biggest stage, the sensational Swedish striker is ready to believe. Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026 On this day in 1893, one of the most sensational murder trials in American history came to a shocking conclusion when a Massachusetts jury acquitted Lizzie Borden of murder—after just over an hour of deliberation. Sophia Zhang, Encyclopedia Britannica, 16 June 2026 Combs’ four-year, two-month sentence came as a second shock to a captive courtroom audience after the split verdict was read following his sensational eight-week trial. Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sensational
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensational
Adjective
  • Winemaker Matt Dees brings out elegance and balance in the wines, this one is no exception with juicy, savory, melt in your mouth bright strawberry/currant fruit.
    Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
  • 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, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • This is because animals belonging to different species do not share the same instincts, sensory abilities, or interests.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 20 June 2026
  • The tableside cocktail trolley, custom ice carvings and multi-sensory aromatics are doing far more than adding theatre to the serve.
    Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • Turkey evened it in the 10th minute with an excellent two-man game from Baris Alper Yilmaz and Güler, the 21-year-old Real Madrid rising star.
    Greg Beacham, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026
  • The nearby town of Dolores makes an excellent home base.
    Jamie Siebrase, Denver Post, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Bringing new teenage characters into the Factory, with Kit Connor already announced as lead voice cast, the film appears to be a fast-paced, thrilling and colorful adventure for young audiences, and got enthusiastic feedback from Annecy’s crowds.
    Kevin Giraud, Variety, 24 June 2026
  • Lasichanh sported colorful sneakers for her footwear, carried a small Louis Vuitton bag and wore delicate jewelry pieces to complete her casually bent attire.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • With Sonja Tyspin’s cinematography imbuing an innocent, sensual curiosity, Kiyoko sweetly conveys the awkward thrill of fledgling emotions.
    Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
  • Life in Paris taught me to be less rigid and more sensual, and back home in Connecticut, my dad was changing, too.
    Courtney Maum, PEOPLE, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • So many wonderful dinners with friends and nights out on the town.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 24 June 2026
  • Soccer – football in much of the world – has a long and wonderful tradition of singing, whether that be in praise of their favorite players, mocking opponents (sometimes, brutally so) or simply urging their team forward.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
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
Adjective
  • At the Canadian Pavilion, Abbas Akhavan created a sensorial environment centered on fragility, displacement, breath, and survival.
    Thomas Rom, ARTnews.com, 8 June 2026
  • What’s more, the product delivers a luxe sensorial experience and a bit of an afterglow.
    Jenny Berg, Vogue, 1 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sensational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensational. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on sensational

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