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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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 After a sensational breakthrough this season, Orlando City defender Alex Freeman has been named to the roster for the 2025 MLS All-Star team. Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 June 2025 Arbus’s sensational, troubling pictures — and her rising public image after her 1971 suicide — were among the forces beginning to break down that wall. Christopher Bonanos, Vulture, 24 June 2025 The tragic stories were piling up with sensational swiftness. Literary Hub, 24 June 2025 Boyd made a sensational catch of a hard liner off the bat of J.P. Crawford to end the fifth, but his left shoulder was bruised on the play and manager Craig Counsell removed him after the inning. Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 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.
    Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 1 July 2025
  • Ahead, scroll through the juiciest inspiration for fruit nails.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • As new sensory input becomes available, the plan is continuously updated to adapt to changing circumstances.
    Tarun Eldho Alias, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • One 2024 meta-analysis, for example, found that all manner of sensory experiences—including sounds, smells, flashing lights, physical pressure, and pain—can be incorporated into dreams when people are sleeping and investigators provide the stimulus.
    Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • There are many excellent CRM platforms that are available at a much lower price point and that can serve the needs of most small and mid-sized businesses.
    Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
  • Along the way, there have been some other expressions as well, including single barrel, barrel-proof whiskeys, a series of excellent cask-strength American single malts, and rye whiskeys made with different grain varietals.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • Other varieties provide additional design elements such as interesting bark, colorful fruits, and fabulous fall foliage to enhance the garden all year long.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 27 June 2025
  • The film is set in the fictional Mongibello, which Highsmith based on the resort towns along the Amalfi Coast, and unlike nearly all of the previous decade’s noir films, Purple Noon presents its seaside setting in colorful daytime to dazzling visual effect.
    Erik Morse, Vogue, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Misner’s sensual signature look speaks in service to the contours of the body, using draping techniques to extend and celebrate curves.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 24 June 2025
  • Your sensual pleasure and romantic desires will never be the same again once Uranus enters mutable Gemini on July 7.
    Liz Simmons, StyleCaster, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Colleagues, mentors and friends are wonderful sources of feedback.
    Kim Salem-Jackson, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • These tender, buttery peas are wonderful in any number of dishes, but our new favorite just might be this black-eyed pea dip.
    Mary Claire Britton, Southern Living, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • The quiet car ride to the senior living home is marked by a closeup of Ruth’s hand turning on her lap as it’s warmed by the sun — a moment meant to prioritize Ruth’s sensorial experience.
    Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025
  • His studio’s installation for Glossier’s Paris pop-up two months ago perfectly embodies this notion of sensorial experience and emotional connection to a brand or product.
    Clara Ludmir, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Packers failed to build on their terrific finish to the 2023 campaign, settled for the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoffs, and lost a Wild Card game to eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia.
    Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Beyond features a farewell to Nimoy’s Spock and an image of Shatner’s crew from The Undiscovered Country, and otherwise has terrific character moments (particularly between Quinto and Karl Urban) and great action beats (like Kirk saving the day with the help of the Beastie Boys).
    Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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