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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sensory
of or relating to physical sensation or the senses
sensational hallucinations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in excellent
of the very best kind
this ice cream is sensational
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Guillermo’s paloma starts with that sensational Cerdito Squirt, plus your choice of tequila or mezcal.
—
Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
In early seventeenth-century England, doctors and priests often clashed over sensational cases; for example, that of young Mary Glover.
—Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026
In one of the most touching parts of her sensational 90-minute performance, the singer invited Green to join her onstage alongside Little Big Town (who performed earlier in the day).
—Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 27 Apr. 2026
My mocktail version is served frozen and gussied up with garnishes as flashy as those sensational hats.
—Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sensational
Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
In early seventeenth-century England, doctors and priests often clashed over sensational cases; for example, that of young Mary Glover.
—Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026
In one of the most touching parts of her sensational 90-minute performance, the singer invited Green to join her onstage alongside Little Big Town (who performed earlier in the day).
—Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 27 Apr. 2026
My mocktail version is served frozen and gussied up with garnishes as flashy as those sensational hats.
—Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sensational
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensational
Adjective
-
This configuration concentrates heat for faster grilling while keeping meat juicy.—
Maryna Holovnova,
New Atlas,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Friends introduce you to interesting people, group chats get extra juicy and invitations multiply.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
In the future, similar electronic skin could allow prosthetic users to feel pressure, temperature, and humidity, bringing artificial limbs closer to natural sensory function.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Apr. 2026
-
If the trajectory continues, expect to see brands and creators alike lean further into storytelling, sensory experiences and products whose purpose is to spark joy in the coming months.—
Casey DelBasso,
ABC News,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Soft white sand, clear waters and excellent surf draw beachgoers to this vast beach.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
-
This makes buffalo grass an excellent choice for naturally controlling soil erosion.—
Lee Wallender,
The Spruce,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Born Ereunna McCoy, BunnaB captures the spirit of Atlanta through colorful, witty rhymes and catchy adlibs, boosted by her vibrant delivery.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
29 Apr. 2026
-
But the Shedd outlasted the mobsters and Lord knows what else in its home city’s colorful history and now is trying to raise $500 million over eight years in honor of its pending 100th anniversary in 2030.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
From cheeky shots of celebrities like Jane Fonda and Arnold Schwarzenegger to extravagant, sensual portfolios of America’s Olympic squads, the magazine’s pantheon of photographers have helped to define the genre of sports portraiture.—
Jonathan Pace,
Vanity Fair,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Here, the sado-sensual yearning of the Confederacy to instantiate itself through the fetishes and reliquaries of figurative sculpture is shown as hollow, impotent, all too discomfiting, and very real.—
Horace D. Ballard,
Artforum,
22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
There is great teaching going on, the principal is wonderful.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Claire has been an advocate for courageous stories, an expert at complicated logistics and a wonderful partner to teams across the entire news division.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
27 Apr. 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 bright space includes two treatment rooms, a steam room, sauna, salt relaxation room, sensorial shower, and a Sisley retail shop.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Unleash your plumpest pout with transformative textures, sensorial experiences and cruelty-free formulas.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
7 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sensational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensational. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
