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

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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 This is a sensational engine, with tremendous character, endless low range and midrange muscle for rapid passing, and surprisingly smooth and refined high-speed cruising. — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2026 But, beyond the wall-to-wall coverage and sensational headlines, is a story about the incredible courage, devotion, and strength that Natalee’s mother, Beth, showed in the face of unimaginable loss. — Peter White, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026 Smith had a season-low four catches for 93 yards, but the sensational wide receiver made the most of his chances. — ABC News, 10 Oct. 2026 Craig was sensational against Grambling State and Arkansas State, producing a total passing EPA of 32 on his dropbacks. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Oct. 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
  • And, by the looks of premiere photos, her complexion was juicy, plump, and flawless.
    — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Where lettuce splashed with vinaigrette can feel like an afterthought, a juicy, savory-slanting pear salad is worth making room for on a plate full of turkey and cornbread.
    — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of juicy
Adjective
  • Taking the pressure off finishing all the food on the plate can instead place emphasis on savoring the sensory experience of each bite.
    — Bryn Beeder, The Conversation, 1 Nov. 2026
  • The organization gave the sandwich an overall score of 75, a four out of five nutrition score and a five out of five sensory score, which is based on flavor and texture attributes.
    — Sadie Chafe, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of sensory
Adjective
  • Bold from brown butter and balsamic vinegar and bright from lemon, the crunchy topping is an excellent foil to the sweetness of roasted squash.
    — Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Their bench even has some guys providing excellent backup options.
    — David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • The naming convention reflects the Evans family's enduring optimism about Africa and their commitment to celebrating its colorful heritage.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • So the replies to my comment brought that resentment to the surface, and many replies called the organizer a grifter, a con-artist, and many much more colorful words.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of colorful
Adjective
  • The most sensual scene in the movie is actually a dance number at a public gathering where the two characters slowly sway and caress each other, much to the horror and confusion of the other townsfolk.
    — Whitney Friedlander, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
  • For 1937, which is dominated by shades of green, blue, khaki, and sand, Cobos looked to Claire Denis’s Beau Travail (1999), a sensual psychological drama about French Foreign Legionnaires in Djibouti.
    — Elaina Patton, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of sensual
Adjective
  • Their sorrowful slow-dance, at first with the air and then with each other, set to the ensemble evoking the crooning of a record player, is just wonderful.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2026
  • There is a wonderful offhand quality to their scenes together.
    — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 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
  • With a subtle and spa-like floral scent and a soothing, lightweight gel consistency, the cream also lends itself to a pleasantly sensorial application experience.
    — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026
  • 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
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 8 Nov. 2026.

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