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
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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
Derived 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.
Spain were at their sensational best and England didn't really turn up.
From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026
The viral posts reflect how some influencers seek to profit from a disinformation trend researchers call "real story fakes" -- flooding the internet with sensational AI fabrications about a real story gaining public attention.
From Barron's • May 18, 2026
San Antonio’s sensational big man is sending a stirring playoff message.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 16, 2026
The production, full of sensational aerial maneuvers and fog-strewn scenic thrills, is mesmerizing.
From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026
The state called the first of their star witnesses, Solomon Ngubase, who offered sensational evidence that seemed to implicate the ANC.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
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.
