sensational
Americanadjective
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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
-
extraordinarily good; conspicuously excellent; phenomenal.
a sensational quarterback.
adjective
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causing or intended to cause intense feelings, esp of curiosity, horror, etc
sensational disclosures in the press
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informal extremely good
a sensational skater
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of or relating to the faculty of sensation
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philosophy of or relating to sensationalism
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of sensational
Explanation
Something sensational gets your attention. It's either amazing or a little trashy — like a sensational tabloid story. Sensational things cause quite a sensation — usually a feeling of curiosity or interest. Sensational events and sensational people keep you watching and listening. A guy juggling seven flaming bowling balls is sensational. A super popular new song is sensational. But this word does have some negative connotations, as it often describes news stories that have little merit other than their shock value. "Sexy Starlet Visits Fertility Clinic!" is a trashy kind of sensational headline.
Vocabulary lists containing sensational
Achievement First 8th Grade IA 1 Words
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"What Is News?" and "How to Detect Bias in the News"
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Words to Describe a Movie
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Many of those listed on online marketplaces are larger and more custom than Cash App’s Tags, making for an arguably more sensational payment experience.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 22, 2026
Keith Andrews had a sensational first season as Brentford manager and it will be interesting to see how they set up - will it be a case of 'counter-attack Keith' again?
From BBC ● Aug. 21, 2026
A number of stories are tied to the sensational mystery that arises when Eliza May’s coffin is opened and found to be empty.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 18, 2026
That narrow and sensational definition is precisely what keeps women from recognizing and/or reporting their symptoms.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 18, 2026
The sensational Beecher-Tilton trial proved to be the longest and most publicized trial of its time.
From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
