sensational
adjective
sen·sa·tion·al
sen-ˈsā-shnəl 
-shə-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
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
The sensational 1995 trial that saw O.J. Simpson on the stand for murdering his ex-wife and her friend is now on many people’s minds again following news of the infamous figure’s death on Thursday morning.
—
Anna Tingley, Variety, 11 Apr. 2024
Perhaps the experience has fueled Davis-Woodhall’s sensational start to the year, winning all four of her long jump events and producing an official lifetime best at the US indoor championships in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
—George Ramsay, CNN, 9 Apr. 2024
In real estate, sensational pricing is a common marketing tool.
—Linda Laban, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2024
But Jay died in late 2022, ending a half-century career as the pushy cosmic evangelist, as responsible as anyone for the sensational circus of science, wonder and tourism that solar eclipses have become.
—Dennis Overbye, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2024
This has blowout potential, especially if Alabama’s best player, point guard Mark Sears, is anything less than sensational.
—Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2024
Take a bow Mulligan makes his home in Palm Springs and has a day job working in HR, but his sensational stage work — described as immersive, funny and scary play — is firmly rooted in his childhood.
—Leslie Kelly, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
Get The Recipe 09 of 54 Berry Patch Cocktail
Elderflower liqueur and gin provide a floral, lofty contrast to the tangy limeade and fresh raspberries in this sensational sipper.
—Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 28 Mar. 2024
Brink played a role in forcing Iowa State post Audi Crooks into a 3-for-21 shooting night just two days after going 18-for-20 and scoring 40, and other Cardinal players played supporting roles that were less sensational than Iriafen but nonetheless important to the outcome.
—Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 25 Mar. 2024
Anna Tingley, Variety, 11 Apr. 2024
Perhaps the experience has fueled Davis-Woodhall’s sensational start to the year, winning all four of her long jump events and producing an official lifetime best at the US indoor championships in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
—George Ramsay, CNN, 9 Apr. 2024
In real estate, sensational pricing is a common marketing tool.
—Linda Laban, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2024
But Jay died in late 2022, ending a half-century career as the pushy cosmic evangelist, as responsible as anyone for the sensational circus of science, wonder and tourism that solar eclipses have become.
—Dennis Overbye, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2024
This has blowout potential, especially if Alabama’s best player, point guard Mark Sears, is anything less than sensational.
—Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2024
Take a bow Mulligan makes his home in Palm Springs and has a day job working in HR, but his sensational stage work — described as immersive, funny and scary play — is firmly rooted in his childhood.
—Leslie Kelly, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
Get The Recipe 09 of 54 Berry Patch Cocktail
Elderflower liqueur and gin provide a floral, lofty contrast to the tangy limeade and fresh raspberries in this sensational sipper.
—Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 28 Mar. 2024
Brink played a role in forcing Iowa State post Audi Crooks into a 3-for-21 shooting night just two days after going 18-for-20 and scoring 40, and other Cardinal players played supporting roles that were less sensational than Iriafen but nonetheless important to the outcome.
—Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 25 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sensational.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near sensational
Cite this Entry
“Sensational.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensational. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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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