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
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causing or intended to cause intense feelings, esp of curiosity, horror, etc
sensational disclosures in the press
-
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.
Sensational Dallas rookie Cooper Flagg scored 32 points for his fourth straight game of 30 or more.
From Barron's • Feb. 6, 2026
The 35-year-old has been nominated for his chart-topping single Sensational, which incorporates Afrobeats elements and features guest vocals from Nigerian artists Davido and Lojay.
From BBC • Feb. 1, 2025
According to biographer Conway, in his book King of Heists: The Sensational Bank Robbery of 1878 That Shocked America, the reason was actually quite juvenile.
From Slate • Dec. 28, 2023
Sensational news coverage fueled the sense of a country in upheaval.
From New York Times • Mar. 25, 2023
“Ms. Sensational Action News in a skirt suit. She’s a bully with a cameraman.”
From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng
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.
