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

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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 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 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 Context that undermines sensational allegations is minimized. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for sensational
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensational
Adjective
  • Pink pineapple flavors mixed with lemonade, and layered with dragonfruit pieces for a bright, juicy sip.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 8 July 2026
  • Peaches are a juicy, naturally sweet, nutritious, and refreshing fruit.
    Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 7 July 2026
Adjective
  • Like in the West, luxury spending continues to shift from material goods to emotional and sensory experiences, a welcome development for the wellness sector.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
  • This architecture will function structurally as a kind of embodiment, giving AI the equivalent of a sensory nervous system connected to the entire Earth.
    Will Marshall, Time, 7 July 2026
Adjective
  • While San Francisco’s bullpen is struggling, Rogers is in the midst of another excellent season after signing a three-year, $37 million deal to join the defending American League champions.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
  • Guests can borrow, for no charge, one of four Mate e-bikes for spins around the park or beyond, say to Tanimachi nearby for local neighborhood vibes, including charming izakayas, gyoza shops, and excellent, one-woman restaurants such as Tachiaoi.
    Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
Adjective
  • The coast is dotted with colorful fishing villages, while the region’s interior is made up of rolling green hills and gently sloped vineyards.
    Tia Lovisa Moreira, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2026
  • Fast-food chain Sonic, for instance, has a timely deal and colorful commemorative cups.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • The Grammy Award-winning artist wore a sensual red dress from the designer’s spring 2026 ready-to-wear collection.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 29 June 2026
  • Warm and sensual, but with a somewhat fresh, floral drydown.
    Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • The animals, the cool weather and the wonderful people of this region made for a memorable trip.
    Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
  • Bat boxes are a wonderful addition to your yard for attracting bats and giving them a safe place to live.
    The Spruce, The Spruce, 2 July 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
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Sensational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensational. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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