sensational
adjective
sen·sa·tion·al
sen-ˈsā-sh(ə-)nəl 
2
: arousing or tending to arouse (as by lurid details) a quick, intense, and usually superficial interest, curiosity, or emotional reaction
sensational tabloid news
3
: exceedingly or unexpectedly excellent or great
a sensational talent
sensationally
adverb
Synonyms of sensational
Examples of sensational in a Sentence
She looked sensational in her new dress.
the sensational news story caused a stir, but after a few days everyone forgot about it
Recent Examples on the Web
Thanks to a standout performance by the defense, and a sensational one from Ahmad Hardy, the Tigers rolled 49-27 over Mississippi State on senior day in Columbia.
—
Maddie Hartley, Kansas City Star, 16 Nov. 2025
In homage to both Sin City’s centenary and McLaren’s sensational Formula 1 race results thus far, the British marque has just revealed Project Viva.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 13 Nov. 2025
Out this month and co-authored with Mary Frances Weaver, Simpson fills in many blanks about the sensational case that captivated the nation.
—Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 12 Nov. 2025
Sinner may have taken the bragging rights last year – claiming both in a sensational 2024 – but this time around it’s advantage Alcaraz.
—Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sensational
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Maddie Hartley, Kansas City Star, 16 Nov. 2025
In homage to both Sin City’s centenary and McLaren’s sensational Formula 1 race results thus far, the British marque has just revealed Project Viva.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 13 Nov. 2025
Out this month and co-authored with Mary Frances Weaver, Simpson fills in many blanks about the sensational case that captivated the nation.
—Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 12 Nov. 2025
Sinner may have taken the bragging rights last year – claiming both in a sensational 2024 – but this time around it’s advantage Alcaraz.
—Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sensational
Cite this Entry
“Sensational.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensational. Accessed 21 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sensational
adjective
sen·sa·tion·al
sen-ˈsā-shnəl
-shən-ᵊl,
sən-
1
: of or relating to sensation or the senses
2
: arousing a strong and usually shallow interest or emotional reaction
sensational news
3
: exceedingly or unexpectedly excellent or great
a sensational diving catch
sensationally
adverb
-ē
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