sensational

adjective

sen·​sa·​tion·​al sen-ˈsā-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce sensational (audio)
Synonyms of sensationalnext
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

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
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.
Banks and Fahy are sensational, and both get to smoke even after they’ve been told not to because the smell might infest the chintz drapes in the breakfast room. Libby Gelman-Waxner, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2026 No 1 — this time last year, there was still a debate between her and Mary Earps — showed her class with an acrobatic save to deny Spain an equaliser in stoppage time and was then absolutely sensational in the second half against Iceland. Megan Feringa, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2026 Subject of this mass hysteria was Elvis Aaron Presley, 21-year-old singer and hero of the nation’s teenagers who purely fractured two full houses at Municipal Auditorium last night with his unique actions and sensational style. Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026 The latter led to a fast-break layup by Tatum — one of nine baskets the Celtics star made or assisted on during a sensational first quarter. Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 19 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sensational

Word History

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sensational was in 1807

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sensational.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/sensational. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

sensational

adjective
sen·​sa·​tion·​al sen-ˈsā-shnəl How to pronounce sensational (audio)
-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

More from Merriam-Webster on sensational

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster