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 The case drew widespread attention because of its sensational mix of wealth, violence, and claims of family abuse. Hannah Parry amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025 The brothers were convicted of first-degree murder after two sensational trials that spanned three years in the mid-1990s. Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 22 Aug. 2025 The Ghana international, who spent two years with Leeds between 1995 and 1997, would cap a run of sensational strikes off with a long-range drive against Wimbledon that could arguably be one of the greatest goals of the 33-year Premier League era. Max Mathews, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025 Its grille inspired the 1998 Chrysler Chronos concept car and the sensational 2005 Chrysler 300. Mark Phelan, USA Today, 20 Aug. 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.
    Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Or tender, juicy mojo pork marinated with savory cumin and cilantro, and brightened with zesty lime and orange juices.
    Martie Bowser, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In a fast-paced, digital, and uncertain world, wallpaper offers both emotional and sensory reprieve.
    Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Sep. 2025
  • It was found that eels use sensory signals from their bodies, such as stretch and pressure, to adapt to their environment.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But on a day when Mizzou amassed 595 total yards, converted 4 of 5 fourth downs and got an excellent effort from first-year starting quarterback Beau Pribula, surrendering possession had to fill Kansas followers with a sense of dread.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The openings can keep your feet cool or give you an excellent way to show off some eye-catching socks once the weather get cooler.
    Isis Briones, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Tommy and re-united ex-wife Angela (Ali Larter) will continue with colorful combustion.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
  • On the Cielo Point Lawn, there’s a variety of family activities, including a caricature artist, a tie-dye station to create colorful T-shirts, watermelon eating contests, and more.
    Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • His relationship with Algeria is sensual.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 2 Sep. 2025
  • Reading for so many of the tech-pilled among us is merely a method by which to upload bullet points to your brain, rather than a sensual endeavor that allows you to get caught up in someone else’s story.
    Maris Kreizman August 28, Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • But if Julia’s delivery of her first child is about as wonderful as pushing a human out of your body can get — even the lighting is dreamy — her second child’s delivery is the exact opposite.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Morticia has this wonderful lighter look into the world as opposed to Wednesday.
    Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In fact, achieving the right sensorial experience was the biggest formulation challenge.
    Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The experience is also sensorial thanks to the notes of neroli, rose, and patchouli, handpicked by founder Tracee Ellis Ross.
    Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Audi's done a terrific job applying a restrained retro-futuristic approach to the interiors.
    Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The Detroit Lions went 15-2 last season, finishing with the best record in the NFC behind an explosive offense and some terrific coaching.
    Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sensational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensational. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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