sensational

adjective

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

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 That may seem sensational, but bear in mind that any sailing ship can get a 100% reduction by setting the sails and turning off the engines entirely. David Szondy, New Atlas, 31 July 2024 In a forty-one-page article, the magazine published the results along with sensational quotes. Dhruv Khullar, The New Yorker, 18 July 2024 Keon Ellis turned in a sensational performance after struggling in Sacramento’s first two games at the Las Vegas Summer League, but the Kings came up short against the New York Knicks. Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 17 July 2024 The coverage was sober and raw without being sensational. Brian Stelter, Variety, 28 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for sensational 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sensational.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Aug. 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

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