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.
Dangerfield sank his teeth into the role, which was initially much smaller but expanded due to his sensational improv skills. Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 25 July 2025 In the wake of the lawsuit, some publishers were more cautious about publishing sensational content; many platforms also implemented stricter consent and takedown practices. Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 24 July 2025 The figure estimates both the portion of the EV-maker’s valuation that’s justified by its current, baseline earnings, and the extra part based on CEO Musk’s promises for sensational products that have yet to be fully or even partially commercialized. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 24 July 2025 Wristbands: $85-105. 2002: Celebrity Courtney Love stirs up trouble during a series of sensational interviews. Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 23 July 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sensational.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensational. Accessed 2 Aug. 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

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