sensational
Americanadjective
-
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
-
causing or intended to cause intense feelings, esp of curiosity, horror, etc
sensational disclosures in the press
-
informal extremely good
a sensational skater
-
of or relating to the faculty of sensation
-
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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"What Is News?" and "How to Detect Bias in the News"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Words to Describe a Movie
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
A resilient Gauff begins to claw her way back, but Muchova halts the American's momentum with a sensational diving volley.
From BBC • Jul. 9, 2026
Pace bowlers Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue were sensational to ensure the world champions - including 15-year-old batting superstar Vaibhav Sooryavanshi - never got to grips with a chase of 202.
From BBC • Jul. 7, 2026
The cricket was exhilarating, the atmosphere intoxicating and results - for a short while - sensational.
From BBC • Jun. 29, 2026
But when the film got started, I quickly began to understand that there was much more to these disorders than my 12-year-old brain could comprehend from a sensational gossip story.
From Salon • Jun. 22, 2026
They are missing the real questions in order to ask the sensational ones.
From "Every Day" by David Levithan
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.
