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sensational

adjective

sen-ˈsā-shnəl How to pronounce sensational (audio)
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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 French decadence, magical realism, nineteenth-century sensational fiction. — Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026 Realtors have also done a sensational job of defending their throne. — John Lanchester, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026 The most sensational of the federal probes involved allegations of deputy mistreatment of inmates. — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026 Luzardo had another sensational outing that continues to make the Phillies look smart for not allowing the lefty to test free agency at the end of the season. — CBS News, 7 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sensational
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensational
  1. juicy
  2. sensory
  3. excellent
  4. colorful
  5. sensual
  6. wonderful
  7. screaming
  8. sensorial
Adjective
  • The juicy slab of brisket was roughly double the diameter of the plush biscuit, and the flavors mingled well.
    — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 2026
  • But for now, Line of Fire‘s drama remains on the right side of the divide between juicy and obnoxious.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of juicy
Adjective
  • The sensory dome is expected to be the most expensive feature at a cost of about $153,500, followed by the we-go-round at a cost of about $50,000.
    — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Logitech Spot essentially serves as the office’s sensory layer.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of sensory
Adjective
  • Her excellent debut, 2007’s Free Food for Millionaires, features upwardly mobile Korean Americans whose desire for security Lee portrayed both sympathetically and critically.
    — Sanjena Sathian, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
  • If that feels unattainable, though, Baldino’s other spots are equally excellent and open to anyone.
    — Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • This year’s outdoor fall decor runs the gamut from classic pumpkins and colorful wreaths to lanterns, doormats and pieces that lean more neutral than traditional orange and black.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Florida has a colorful history as a haven for smugglers and scammers.
    — Mike Ryan, Sun Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of colorful
Adjective
  • Taking all of that and then distilling it in a way that was still beautiful and also sensual was really something that was discussed a lot.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The atmosphere is humid—not just sensual but erotic—and Stein is often close enough to touch.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of sensual
Adjective
  • Reclaiming the work of women selling fish, and the word that was an insult but is now a beautiful brand, is a wonderful turn of phrase and time, to us.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 21 Sep. 2026
  • But De Santis is also wonderful at the end of the day, when the sun sets and Milan slowly begins to wind down.
    — Emma Bocchi, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of wonderful
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
Definition of screaming
Adjective
  • Perfumers working with Maison Crivelli are sent a mood board, including photos, videos, oral descriptions of people met, music heard and food tasted — varied sensorial components that describe an adventure Thibaud Crivelli has had.
    — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 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
Definition of sensorial

Browse Nearby Words

sensation
sensational
sensationalist
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Cite this Entry

“Sensational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensational. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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