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.
Jayden Daniels took home the Heisman Trophy last season after a sensational career at LSU, his dual-threat ability set the standard for excellence, and this year's finalists will aim to live up to that legacy. Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 14 Dec. 2024 Mbappe scored a sensational goal against Atalanta in the Champions League inside 10 minutes on Tuesday, but then asked to be brought off 25 later. Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024 Assad is gone The sensational news that spread across Syria and social media was eventually confirmed in an announcement Sunday from Russian state media: This once feared strongman had fled the country his family had ruled for more than 50 years. Alexander Smith, NBC News, 10 Dec. 2024 After a sensational freshman season, Perich was named first team all-Big Ten by the conference’s coaches and media members. Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 6 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near sensational

Cite this Entry

“Sensational.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensational. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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