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
Merrill made a sensational leaping catch to rob McGonigle of a homer in the second, getting his glove well above the wall just in front of the 396 sign.
—
ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026
Jurors also considered Meta’s failure to enforce its ban on users under 13, the role of its algorithms in prioritizing sensational or harmful content, and the prevalence of social media content about teen suicide.
—Morgan Lee, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2026
There’s a lot riding on the sensational K-pop group’s first album in four years, but its generic songs ring hollow and lack the vim and vigor of the band’s best work.
—Joshua Minsoo Kim, Pitchfork, 24 Mar. 2026
While Merrimack will need another sensational showing from Lundgren in net to shock the Fighting Hawks, the Warriors will also rely on a quartet of productive forwards.
—Greg Dudek, Boston Herald, 22 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sensational
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ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026
Jurors also considered Meta’s failure to enforce its ban on users under 13, the role of its algorithms in prioritizing sensational or harmful content, and the prevalence of social media content about teen suicide.
—Morgan Lee, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2026
There’s a lot riding on the sensational K-pop group’s first album in four years, but its generic songs ring hollow and lack the vim and vigor of the band’s best work.
—Joshua Minsoo Kim, Pitchfork, 24 Mar. 2026
While Merrimack will need another sensational showing from Lundgren in net to shock the Fighting Hawks, the Warriors will also rely on a quartet of productive forwards.
—Greg Dudek, Boston Herald, 22 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sensational
Cite this Entry
“Sensational.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensational. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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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