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 No such sensational studies will be conducted during the upcoming eclipse but some work will get done. Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 10 Aug. 2026 Instead, the Hall of Fame running back who inspired a generation of running backs with his sensational, elusive, shifty style was walking up and down the sideline handing out refreshments to his teammates. CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026 The cell leader was also accused of ordering another sensational killing — the assassination last year during a Day of the Dead festival of Carlos Manzo, mayor of the city of Uruapan in central Michoacán state. Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2026 Spider-Man supplies the spectacle, and real-life spiders supply the sensational materials science. Aliasger K. Salem, The Conversation, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sensational
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensational
Adjective
  • Few things bridge South Florida cultures better than the mango, the juicy-sticky-sweet tropical tree fruit that avalanches our backyards all summer long.
    Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Earlier this summer, group chats maintained by women who wear glasses with thick plastic frames were consumed by a juicy bit of literary gossip.
    Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 17 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Geriatric ERs also try to counter sensory impairment, another contributor to delirium, by distributing reading glasses and sound-amplifying devices.
    Paula Span, Miami Herald, 18 Aug. 2026
  • These sensory cues may help reduce uncertainty for some consumers.
    Connie Etemadi, Freep.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Simashev is excellent defensively and on retrievals and tilts the ice in his favor.
    Corey Pronman, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • As far as pop stars who happen to also be thoughtful and excellent songwriters go, Kahan is in the upper ranks.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Portuguese touches are incorporated here too; the blanket on the bed comes from Burel and is made using wool from Serra de Estrela sheep into colorful, contemporary designs.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026
  • But the city of Smyrna is trying to change that, turning some of those refrigerator-sized metal cabinets into colorful works of public art.
    Brian Unger, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Carter’s collection of fairytale retellings are macabre and sensual, highlighting female violence and subverting expectations of female sexuality at equal turns.
    S.M. Hallow, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The compliment magnet has top notes of refreshing, juicy pear, a feminine freesia heart, and deep, sensual patchouli base.
    Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 12 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • There’s this wonderful character in the book, Lucky’s childhood friend [Steph].
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Toronto is a wonderful city, and this will be a Saturday night game featuring Sidney Crosby in the place for hockey.
    Josh Yohe, New York Times, 20 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
  • 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 23 Aug. 2026.

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