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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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 The result is a sensational tapestry of transgressions and secrets that Duke doesn’t see coming. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 31 July 2026 Such information often seems focused on sensational subjects – including bad actors and bad actions. Scott Jenkins, Christian Science Monitor, 28 July 2026 One of its most celebrated is, without doubt, the sensational Sián FKP 37 debuted in 2019. Howard Walker, Robb Report, 27 July 2026 The result is a simple yet sensational dessert that works just as well for a birthday as for a dinner party. Martha Stewart, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for sensational
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensational
Adjective
  • Swapping traditional white polish for a juicy tomato-red hue keeps the design feeling fresher than ever.
    Amanda Le, InStyle, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Like most brioche, these have a hint of sweetness alongside a buttery taste, the perfect complement to a juicy burger.
    Elliott Harrell, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Some hospitality brands are already redesigning spaces to be more cognizant of guests' sensory needs.
    Prof. Dr. Anabel von Preußen - Ternès von Hattburg, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • This contemporary collaboration offers musical artistry and a cutting-edge multi-tiered sensory performance filled with all the poetic contradictions of the lake itself.
    Gina Grillo, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The neighborhood/area Just across the train tracks is Vesterbro with an excellent range of independent shops and restaurants, not least in Kødbyen, the Meat Packing district.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • As for dining options, Cafe Genevieve serves an excellent breakfast and brunch, and Million Dollar Cowboy Bar draws crowds for a taste of Western-style eats like bison burgers and elk sliders.
    Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 3 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • What to do nearby While the free continental breakfast is fine, do pop over to Madcap Coffee for an excellent roast, or take a short stroll to colorful SPKRBOX, a coffee bar by day that spins vinyl by night.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 July 2026
  • The platter comes with a table-full of colorful salads and dips, including pickles and olives imported from Israel.
    Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Adjective
  • Two decades after the book’s release, American culture is in a bit of a sensual drought—and people want to know why.
    Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026
  • While Adams’ blouse added a sensual touch with its semi-sheer fabric, her skirt heightened the effect.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 22 July 2026
Adjective
  • Start with the escargot, which pack a wonderful buttery, garlicky punch, each bite topped with a perfect, tiny puff pastry.
    Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • The combination of David’s wonderful scripts, Lenny back directing on the BBC, Element Pictures producing, and Claire and Mathew leading our cast is a real gift.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 30 July 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 5 Aug. 2026.

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