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
The reactionary league is constantly futzing after other versions of the sport implement fun rules, or promising to address unfairness when sensational NFL playoff battles have ended without a quarterback deity such as Peyton Manning or Josh Allen touching the ball.
—
The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
The most sensational collision of the FCC, the radio networks, and notions of the public interest was inspired not by Orson Welles but by another multihyphenate auteur, the screen goddess and provocateur Mae West.
—Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025
The fictionalization is bound to upset and entertain in equal measure, especially after the success of last season's sensational take on Lyle and Erik Menendez's story.
—Madeleine Janz, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
Despite sensational claims, no truly pristine stars have been observed.
—Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sensational
The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
The most sensational collision of the FCC, the radio networks, and notions of the public interest was inspired not by Orson Welles but by another multihyphenate auteur, the screen goddess and provocateur Mae West.
—Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025
The fictionalization is bound to upset and entertain in equal measure, especially after the success of last season's sensational take on Lyle and Erik Menendez's story.
—Madeleine Janz, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
Despite sensational claims, no truly pristine stars have been observed.
—Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sensational
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensational
Adjective
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With jammy, juicy cherries swimming in a salty, tangy sauce, all spooned over crispy-skilled chicken, the foundation is strong.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Oct. 2025
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An amber ale lends depth of flavor to this tender, juicy pot roast.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Many autistic kids are drawn to water, regardless of its temperature, because water offers a calming sensory effect.—
Victoria Moorwood,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
4 Oct. 2025
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Outfitted with lights and sounds to stimulate sensory skills, this toy transforms from a stationary busy board into an activity table, drawing table, and stand-up easel.—
Pamela Brill,
Parents,
2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Bader was excellent early Saturday, notching a sacrifice fly to drive in Realmuto and hustling to right-center for a diving catch in the fifth.—
Charlotte Varnes,
New York Times,
5 Oct. 2025
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Both are excellent places for birding, boating, fishing, hiking, and finding a little peace and quiet.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Check out a few more peelers below that are highly rated, including this colorful three-pack that came recommended by the editors at Food & Wine.—
Clint Davis,
Southern Living,
7 Oct. 2025
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The look was topped off with colorful beaded necklaces, maroon shoes and a black clutch handbag.—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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While on The Tonight Show, Swift appeared shy when discussing the song’s lyrics, ducking her head down as the house band the Roots began playing a sensual tune.—
Emlyn Travis,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Oct. 2025
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Bieber’s iteration on the trend elevated the style to a cheeky, high-fashion moment with feminine touches and sensual edge.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Skor bars are a nonnegotiable addition; the cookies have the perfect toffee-to-chocolate ratio and wonderful texture.—
The Bon Appétit Staff,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
3 Oct. 2025
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Today’s tech news follows; have a wonderful weekend.—
Andrew Nusca,
Fortune,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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With a thoughtful use of color, Wezel constructs a visual world that feels both alienating and intensely sensorial, like a vivid dream uncomfortably close to reality.—
Caterina De Biasio,
Vogue,
24 Sep. 2025
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Beauty Biz and a Bartender The Prospective Trend Area took on a more sensorial, experiential tone this season with a larger space and immersive experiences.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Chris Shula has been terrific through the first four weeks of this season, engineering a Rams defense that ranks in the top 10 in just about every category.—
Nate Atkins,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
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Talanoa Hufanga only had one tackle Monday night, but his impact in the secondary has been felt throughout the early part of the season and was again as the Broncos put the clamps on Cincy’s terrific receivers.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
30 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sensational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensational. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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