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
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.
Golden Dawn made a sensational entry into parliament in 2012, in a climate of social distress linked to the financial crisis in Greece, loss of trust in institutions and discrediting of the main political parties.
From Barron's ● Sep. 15, 2026
An absorbing contest featuring some sensational points saw the Americans fight back again in the decider, only to falter from a commanding lead in the tie-break.
From BBC ● Sep. 5, 2026
A jury began deliberations on Monday in the trial of a former Los Angeles gang leader accused of involvement in the sensational murder three decades ago of chart-topping rapper Tupac Shakur.
From Barron's ● Aug. 31, 2026
On the second play of the Chargers’ second possession, Herbert connected with wide receiver Quentin Johnston over the middle on a sensational 65-yard touchdown pass.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 28, 2026
The sensational legal battle that followed utterly consumed him until, several months later, all the charges were finally dropped.
From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover
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.
