sensational

adjective

sen·​sa·​tion·​al sen-ˈsā-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce sensational (audio)
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.
The paperwork for Johnson’s trial — along with images of some of the handwritten documents — were officially entered into the court’s electronic court docketing system in 2021, marking a final chapter in a sensational saga that garnered international headlines. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025 The Oilers have now won seven of their last eight games with their comeback win over the Wild, and McDavid’s sensational play is a big reason why. Ryan Canfield, Fox News, 16 Jan. 2025 Newspapers would go on to cover the case in a sensational manner for months — with related items making front page news for 31 consecutive days on the cover of the Los Angeles Record, according to The Guardian. Alex Gurley, People.com, 15 Jan. 2025 Washington Commanders 23, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20 — Quarterback Jayden Daniels' sensational rookie season will continue through at least another week after a late-second escape in Tampa. Jim Reineking, USA TODAY, 13 Jan. 2025 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 22 Jan. 2025.

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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