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 Chief among the clues police have recovered at the scene of Sunday's sensational crime at one of the world's most famous museums are traces of DNA found on items the thieves left behind in their hasty motorbike getaway. Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 23 Oct. 2025 Impressed by the region’s farms, restaurants and wineries, Palmer and Leal created the inaugural event last year, featuring a sensational lineup of food and wine from local and celebrity chefs and a great assortment of winemakers. Laura Ness, Mercury News, 21 Oct. 2025 Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani delivered a sensational performance on Friday night to help complete the sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers and punch a ticket to the World Series. Gabe Smallson, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025 One sensational anecdote currently making the rounds involves one of her sons waking up to see his mother clutching a knife in his doorway. Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sensational
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensational
Adjective
  • This buttery balm started with a single Vanilla flavor and has since expanded to 10 shades and scents, including cozy Brown Sugar, juicy Cherry, and shimmery Birthday Cake.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
    Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Far from being some dead organ, the tusk was a sensory rod that fed the whale information about its environment.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
  • And according to Jozef Verbruggen, the founder of Untamed Travelling, the entire region is a sensory treat.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This is where the Greenpoint comes from, an excellent neo-classic riff on a Manhattan that was invented at Milk & Honey in New York, and comprises the classic build of Manhattan—rye, sweet vermouth, and bitters—into which has been spliced the inimitable French herbal liqueur, Yellow Chartreuse.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The Jayhawks did an excellent job of getting back in transition, limiting Louisville’s fast-break opportunities.
    Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Because of its traditional design and neutral color palette, the sofa is the ideal base piece for colorful throw pillows and cozy blankets.
    Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2025
  • For a simple and fun option, go with this colorful Merry Christmas and Happy New Year card, filled with family photos.
    Christopher Murray may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The garments by the two designers are arranged side by side or facing each other, allowing visitors to appreciate the contrast between Balenciaga’s formal elegance and Alaïa’s sensual style.
    Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2025
  • This film took us on an unexpected journey through the hallucinating world of the rave dancers in the desert of Morocco, with the specificity of a journalist, and with all the sensual power of a filmmaker.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • For the creation of wonderful characters and a story that feels spontaneous yet precise in its depiction of power, its moral dilemmas, and the absurd contradictions with the human condition.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Walston had a wonderful calming spirit.
    Cameron Crowe, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The result is just old-fashioned cinematic fools’ gold, in which sensationalistic blather poses as social commentary.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2025
  • With a lesser interpreter, the movie might have been just a sensationalistic shocker, but Keaton brought integrity and emotional candor to Theresa’s messy search to define herself.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Adjective
  • Kirkè Overdose said that Tiziana Terenzi’s fragrant celebration of beauty — the brand encourages layering and pairing the original Kirkè with its anniversary edition counterpart for a new sensorial experience.
    Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The elegant, sculptural jar is refillable and quickly dispenses a dose with a small press, making for a truly sensorial pre-bed ritual.
    Deanna Pai, Vogue, 18 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sensational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensational. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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