sensational
adjective
sen·sa·tion·al
sen-ˈsā-sh(ə-)nəl 
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 of sensational
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
Tomas Hertl scored the goal to put Vegas ahead midway through the third period on a sensational play in transition.
—
Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 25 May 2026
Chicago Cubs star Nico Hoerner did his best basketball impression, throwing the baseball between his legs to make a sensational play on a bunt.
—Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2026
Mitchell has been sensational at times during this year's playoffs, including a 35-point, 10-rebound outing in the Cavs' Game 3 win over the Pistons and a 43-point eruption in Game 4.
—Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
Acts like Nine Inch Noize’s sensational Coachella set prove the scene’s vitality.
—Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sensational
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Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 25 May 2026
Chicago Cubs star Nico Hoerner did his best basketball impression, throwing the baseball between his legs to make a sensational play on a bunt.
—Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2026
Mitchell has been sensational at times during this year's playoffs, including a 35-point, 10-rebound outing in the Cavs' Game 3 win over the Pistons and a 43-point eruption in Game 4.
—Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
Acts like Nine Inch Noize’s sensational Coachella set prove the scene’s vitality.
—Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sensational
Cite this Entry
“Sensational.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensational. Accessed 29 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
adverb
-ē
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