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

French decadence, magical realism, nineteenth-century sensational fiction. — Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026

Bussi was sensational over the first half of the regular season, but sputtered after the Olympic break, which is why Frederik Andersen was Carolina’s starter for most of the playoffs. — Jesse Granger, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Realtors have also done a sensational job of defending their throne. — John Lanchester, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026

Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor’s NAZA has landed a sensational 25-minute ovation following its world premiere in competition this evening at the Venice Film Festival. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 10 Sep. 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