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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.

On Thursday, Pages had another one of his sensational snags, taking an angle that would’ve made a defensive back proud in pursuit of Geraldo Perdomo’s fly ball to start the seventh.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

Luke Littler produced form close to his sensational best to overpower Michael van Gerwen and win his third Premier League night of the season in Berlin.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

It built its current home on the Lower East Side in 2007 and it is as sensational today as when it opened.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

Researchers have also warned that X's model -- allowing premium accounts to earn payouts based on engagement -- has turbocharged the financial incentive to peddle false or sensational content.

From Barron's • Mar. 15, 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

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.