sensational

adjective

sen·​sa·​tion·​al sen-ˈsā-sh(ə-)nəl 

1

: of or relating to sensation or the senses

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

• juicy
• colorful
• screaming
• sensationalistic
• sensationalist
• theatrical
• lurid
• dramatic

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

Combs’ four-year, two-month sentence came as a second shock to a captive courtroom audience after the split verdict was read following his sensational eight-week trial. —Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026

Francisco was sensational on defense too, with 101 blocks on top of 306 kills with just 50 errors. —Justin Vigil Zuniga, Daily News, 15 June 2026

Not even sensational teenager Lamine Yamal, who came in off the bench in the second half, could turn a game that ended with wild and emotional celebrations from Cape Verde players and fans inside the stadium. —James Robson, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026

Dylan Harper, sensational all night as a rookie, tied it with a turnaround. —C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 14 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sensational

• formational
• foundational
• gestational
• gradational
• locational
• mutational
• notational
• relational
• rotational
• translational
• vibrational
• vocational

Kids 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

-ē

adverb