sensational

[sen-sey-shuh-nl]

adjective

1. producing or designed to produce a startling effect, strong reaction, intense interest, etc., especially by exaggerated, superficial, or lurid elements.

   a sensational novel.

   Synonyms: exciting
   Antonyms: dull, prosaic

2. extraordinarily good; conspicuously excellent; phenomenal.

   a sensational quarterback.

3. of or relating to the senses or sensation.

sensational

/ sɛnˈseɪʃənəl /

adjective

1. causing or intended to cause intense feelings, esp of curiosity, horror, etc

   sensational disclosures in the press

2. informal,  extremely good

   a sensational skater

3. of or relating to the faculty of sensation

4. philosophy of or relating to sensationalism

Other Word Forms

• sensationally adverb
• pseudosensational adjective
• unsensational adjective
• unsensationally adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of sensational¹

First recorded in 1830–40; sensation + -al ¹

Example Sentences

Then the five-time major winner proceeded to silence them with his sensational abilities.

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When the University of North Carolina hired Bill Belichick to coach their downtrodden football team, it looked like a sensational coup.

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If you want to base yourself out of the region’s hub, La Crosse, a good option is the Charmant Hotel, a former candy factory, which combines comfy digs with sensational cocktails on the Mississippi River.

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It caps off a sensational career revival for a player who had not scored double figures in a league campaign season since he was a teenager at Rennes.

Read more on BBC

A sensational first-half performance, including three tries in the opening 25 minutes, saw the number two ranked side in the world gain control of the game right from the opening whistle.

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Related Words

• amazing 
• astounding 
• breathtaking 
• dramatic 
• electrifying www.thesaurus.com
• exciting 
• hair-raising 
• horrifying 
• lurid 
• outstanding 
• remarkable 
• scandalous 
• shocking 
• spectacular 
• thrilling