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

The 6-foot-2, 200-pounder was considered the top pitching prospect in the nation after a sensational 2022 season for the Volunteers. —Chuck Murr, Forbes, 16 Sep. 2024

After the robbery, Hudson was tasked with solving the sensational million-dollar crime. —Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 7 Sep. 2024

Dubai's most sensational record-breaking structures 1 of 13 The city is no stranger to superlative structures. —Rebecca Cairns, CNN, 5 Sep. 2024

The 28-year-old clinched a First-team All-Pro bid and Pro Bowl selection during the 2021 season after a sensational year. —Dj Siddiqi, Forbes, 5 Sep. 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