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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sensory
of or relating to physical sensation or the senses
sensational hallucinations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in excellent
of the very best kind
this ice cream is sensational
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sensational
Cooper Flagg, the rare basketball star who grew up in Maine, had a sensational debut for the Dallas Mavericks, who lucked into the top pick in the 2025 NBA draft and might have found their next superstar.
—
Sean Gregory, Time, 9 June 2026
Heney was nothing short of sensational, following the home run by holding 18 straight batters without a hit.
—Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 8 June 2026
Instead of sculpting a sensational Trail of Tears scene of violent removal, Lewis opts for something tranquil.
—Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 8 June 2026
There are valid criticisms surrounding the true crime genre, including accusations that the medium has become sensational and exploitative.
—James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for sensational
Sean Gregory, Time, 9 June 2026
Heney was nothing short of sensational, following the home run by holding 18 straight batters without a hit.
—Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 8 June 2026
Instead of sculpting a sensational Trail of Tears scene of violent removal, Lewis opts for something tranquil.
—Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 8 June 2026
There are valid criticisms surrounding the true crime genre, including accusations that the medium has become sensational and exploitative.
—James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for sensational
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensational
Adjective
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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.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
PEOPLE,
12 Dec. 2025
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The seas are awash, in other words, in juicy oil targets.—
Tim McDonnell,
semafor.com,
11 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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The research provides new insight into the way sensory information affects motivation and performance during physical activity.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Dec. 2025
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Build in exits by driving separately or staying nearby, and have a sensory anchor to ground you, say, a small note in your pocket with a comforting message or a calming scent on a handkerchief.—
Rebecca Soffer,
Time,
4 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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Watts got another excellent chance in the waning seconds, but the Patriots defense forced the shot to go wide.—
Jack Murray,
Boston Herald,
11 June 2026
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Today, Montage Laguna Beach remains one of Southern California’s definitive seaside resorts, known for its stunning views, excellent service, and loyal repeat guests.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 June 2026
Adjective
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Sprouting from its Inlet Parking Lot, the historic Boardwalk features a lively mix of colorful shops, enticing restaurants, arcades and more.—
USA TODAY Network,
USA Today,
10 June 2026
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Plants with colorful or fragrant blooms attract insects for pollination, and are less likely to affect allergies.—
Alexandra Jones,
The Spruce,
10 June 2026
Adjective
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Seersucker jackets, moccasins without socks, and dress shirts designed to expose just enough of the body to be sensual.—
Dave Schilling
Contributing
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
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Much like life across Africa, the exhibition was layered, textured, richly sensual, and at times confrontational.—
Thomas Rom,
ARTnews.com,
8 June 2026
Adjective
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But in general, working with Tim is just wonderful.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
16 June 2026
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The park and walls have wonderful views, so take a seat and relax.—
Jaymi McCann,
TheWeek,
16 June 2026
Adjective
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His 1983 version of Breathless, by the way, much despised by critics at the time but now prized by a growing cult of admirers, is a wonderful and deranged work, slick and sensationalistic in all the ways that Godard’s isn’t.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
4 Dec. 2025
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Davis is in a sensationalistic horror movie; Crawford is in a far more substantial melodrama, and their two parallel movies are connected only by Aldrich’s directorial flamboyance.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
18 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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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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What’s more, the product delivers a luxe sensorial experience and a bit of an afterglow.—
Jenny Berg,
Vogue,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sensational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensational. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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