Definition of sensationalnext
1
as in juicy
arousing a strong and usually superficial interest or emotional reaction the sensational news story caused a stir, but after a few days everyone forgot about it

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in sensory
of or relating to physical sensation or the senses sensational hallucinations

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sensational For those who are not regular watchers of France’s Ligue 1, your first introduction to Ibrahim Mbaye may have been his sensational solo goal at the World Cup for Senegal against France. Andy Jones, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 He was poised and showcased his sensational arm against the Commanders second-team defense. Omar Kelly august 15, Miami Herald, 15 Aug. 2026 Langley’s original may be built for stadium singalongs and summer radio, but the Fallon performance proves that her song remains sensational despite the change of scenery. Sophie Miller, Rolling Stone, 13 Aug. 2026 No such sensational studies will be conducted during the upcoming eclipse but some work will get done. Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sensational
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensational
Adjective
  • Its thick green leaves look juicy, and the mulberries are already red because of the sunshine and the good care of the gardeners.
    Jonathan Flint, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The strawberry note adds a juicy, fruity twist, while the coffee and vanilla give it a warm, rich finish.
    Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 31 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Since then the firm has taken strides to highlight caviar tasting as a sensory experience to be lived as a ritual experience, said communications director Maria Cristina Buccellati.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Video's multi-sensory experience reduces uncertainty, strengthens trust and improves conversion.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Alas, this excellent advice goes into one of Joe’s ears and out the other.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Owls are predators whose eyes are positioned on the front of their heads, giving them excellent depth perception.
    Abigail Witmer, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • One Baguette is covered in a kaleidoscopic geometric pattern of colorful beads; another resembles a tiny textile artwork in dusty pink, green, and turquoise.
    Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Mexico’s Jorge Campos became almost as famous for his wildly colorful uniforms as his saves.
    Asli Pelit, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • His focus is on himself, his music, his sensual pleasures and his determination not to be anyone’s victim.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Nick Interlandi’s soundscapes swell with the rat-a-tat of machine guns, or zero in on the precise, satisfying crunch of glass cracking under bone, while Oren Soffer’s cinematography runs the gamut from sickly clinical to startlingly sensual.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The coast on this part of Tuscany is a little wild, but wonderful for swimming, and guests have access to the boat for excursions to nearby islands and morning swims off secret coves.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Gloria lived a full, wonderful life filled with friends and great conversations and worthy causes.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • There was more screaming and yelling for people who wanted to get a ventilator available in their home.
    Chris Lee, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2021
Adjective
  • The spa spans the entire underground level of the Faena New York with its sensorial experiences.
    Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Nicolas Winding Refn’s audacious return to feature filmmaking is a gorgeous, mysterious act of cinema, sensorial and transgressive, that demands to be experienced on its own terms.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 2 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sensational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensational. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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