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

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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 For those who are not regular watchers of France’s Ligue 1, your first introduction to Ibrahim Mbaye may have been his sensational solo goal at the World Cup for Senegal against France. Andy Jones, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 He was poised and showcased his sensational arm against the Commanders second-team defense. Omar Kelly august 15, Miami Herald, 15 Aug. 2026 Langley’s original may be built for stadium singalongs and summer radio, but the Fallon performance proves that her song remains sensational despite the change of scenery. Sophie Miller, Rolling Stone, 13 Aug. 2026 No such sensational studies will be conducted during the upcoming eclipse but some work will get done. Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sensational
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensational
Adjective
  • The thick, juicy chop is served almost like a porterhouse steak.
    Anthony Todd, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Guy Pearce in a supporting turn as Rupert Murdoch could be even juicier.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • These small bags are packed with items meant to help ease anxiety on the go, from sensory tools and calming scents to snacks and headphones.
    Mary Caldwell, AJC.com, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Parent Erika Flores pointed to the school’s program for students with autism, noting that many of these children, including her son, have sensory issues that could heighten their sensitivity to odors from cremation.
    Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 24 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Alas, this excellent advice goes into one of Joe’s ears and out the other.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Owls are predators whose eyes are positioned on the front of their heads, giving them excellent depth perception.
    Abigail Witmer, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The change extends across the company’s cereal portfolio, which includes colorful favorites Lucky Charms and Trix, plus Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cocoa Puffs, Chex, Wheaties, Reese’s Puffs, Kix and the seasonal Monster Cereals, among others.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026
  • This was the era when Parton discovered that her fearless purview and colorful fashion sense could attract fans well beyond her core country constituency.
    Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • This isn’t Musgraves’ first venture into lifestyle products with a distinctly sensual bent.
    SPIN Staff, SPIN, 21 Aug. 2026
  • With the new immersive sound system, orchestra impact becomes a matter of technology, giving individual instruments paranormal prominence and turning full orchestra glory into a sensual sound bath.
    Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Nature aside, Cape Town boasts a wonderful juxtaposition of old world architecture and contemporary design across its vibrant neighborhoods.
    Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Both films had wonderful ensembles, ingenious writing and an unmistakable sense of occasion.
    Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 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
  • The spa spans the entire underground level of the Faena New York with its sensorial experiences.
    Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Sensational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensational. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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