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

• catchpenny
• gee-whiz
• lurid
• screaming
• sensationalist
• sensationalistic

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

FanDuel Promo Code: Score $150 Bonus, Free NBA League Pass Lastly, FanDuel has another sensational offer for basketball fans. —David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024

His fans wanted in on the experience, and Mezrich set up a tip line through which guys would call him with sensational book ideas. —Simon Van Zuylen-Wood, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024

Gigi Perez’s sensational breakout moment has reached new heights with her first ever No. 1 single on the U.K. Singles Chart. —Thomas Smith, Billboard, 1 Nov. 2024

The Giants did attempt to make a comeback though, with rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. rushing 45 yards for a sensational touchdown a little under two minutes later. —Ben Morse, CNN, 29 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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