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

Putting the blame solely at their door would be unfair to Hull KR, who executed their tactics to perfection and looked sensational in possession, attack and, for the most part, defence.

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For millennia, sensational accounts like these were all that was known about these bygone backwaters of the ancient world.

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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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Related Words

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