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Definitions

sensational

[sen-sey-shuh-nl] / sɛnˈseɪ ʃə nl /
ADJECTIVE
startling, exaggerated
Synonyms
STRONGEST
amazing astounding breathtaking dramatic electrifying exciting hair-raising horrifying lurid outstanding remarkable scandalous shocking spectacular thrilling
WEAK
X-rated arresting colored conspicuous drop-dead emotional excessive extravagant histrionic histrionical hotdog juicy marked melodramatic noticeable piquant pointed prominent pungent revealing salient sensationalistic signal staggering stimulating sultry tabloid vulgar
Antonyms
STRONGEST
normal ordinary regular unexciting unremarkable usual
WEAK
run-of-the-mill unexceptional
ADJECTIVE
excellent, superb
Synonyms
STRONGEST
astonishing breathtaking dramatic exceptional exciting fabulous glorious impressive incredible marvelous spectacular stirring surprising thrilling
WEAK
agitating cool dandy divine eloquent first-class keen mind-blowing most moving out of this world smashing wicked zero cool
Antonyms
STRONGEST
common insignificant
WEAK
inferior poor

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.

"This is a sensational opening for the second episode in an animation series," said analyst David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

But some of the more popular videos are sensational.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

Four tries in just over five minutes followed, first through Jackson Hastings and Tristan Sailor before Leyland's sensational double in the final couple of minutes.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

But regardless of their trophy haul, Rice has been sensational.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

For two days, in a congressional hearing room packed with spectators and news reporters, as flashbulbs went off and news cameras whirred, Elizabeth Bentley revealed the sensational details of her spying for the Soviet Union.

From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau

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

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!