Sensational: meaning, definitions and examples

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sensational

 

[ senหˆseษชสƒ(ษ™)n(ษ™)l ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

news reporting

Causing great interest or excitement. Sensational news stories often focus on shocking or scandalous events to attract attention.

Synonyms

dramatic, exciting, thrilling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sensational

Often used to describe news or events that are extraordinarily shocking or impressive, sometimes with a sense of exaggeration. This word can have a negative connotation if the emphasis is on exaggeration or sensationalism.

  • The newspaper published a sensational story about the celebrity's private life.
  • Her performance in the film was absolutely sensational.
exciting

Used to describe events or experiences that are thrilling and cause enthusiasm or eagerness. It usually has a positive connotation.

  • The announcement of the new project was very exciting.
  • They had an exciting day at the amusement park.
dramatic

Used to describe situations or events that are intense, emotional, and often unexpected. It can refer to both positive and negative events.

  • The team made a dramatic comeback in the final minutes of the game.
  • The weather change was so dramatic that they had to cancel the event.
thrilling

Typically used to describe experiences that are extremely exciting and exhilarating, often involving a sense of adventure or danger.

  • The roller coaster ride was absolutely thrilling.
  • She felt a thrilling rush of adrenaline as she jumped from the airplane.

Examples of usage

  • The sensational headline grabbed everyone's attention.
  • The sensational details of the scandal were revealed in the article.
Context #2 | Adjective

performance or work of art

Exceptionally good or impressive. A sensational performance or piece of work is one that is outstanding and leaves a lasting impact on the audience.

Synonyms

extraordinary, remarkable, stellar.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sensational

Use 'sensational' to describe something that is very exciting or shocking, mainly in a way that grabs a lot of public attention. This term often has a negative connotation, especially when referring to news or media.

  • The newspaper article was full of sensational headlines.
  • The movie's sensational special effects wowed the audience.
remarkable

'Remarkable' is used to describe something that is worthy of attention or notice, often due to its surprising quality or excellence. It generally has a positive connotation.

  • His recovery from the injury was truly remarkable.
  • The book is remarkable for its detailed and vivid descriptions.
extraordinary

'Extraordinary' is fitting for situations or things that are very unusual, exceptional, or beyond what is normal or usual. It carries a positive connotation.

  • She did an extraordinary job on the project.
  • The athlete's extraordinary performance set a new world record.
stellar

'Stellar' is used to describe something or someone as being outstanding or exceptionally good. It is often used in the context of performance or achievements.

  • She received stellar reviews for her performance in the play.
  • The company delivered a stellar financial report this quarter.

Examples of usage

  • Her sensational singing talent wowed the audience.
  • The artist's latest painting received sensational reviews.

Translations

Translations of the word "sensational" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น sensacional

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเคจเคธเคจเฅ€เค–เฅ‡เคœ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช sensationell

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ sensasional

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัะตะฝัะฐั†ั–ะนะฝะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ sensacyjny

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ปใƒณใ‚ปใƒผใ‚ทใƒงใƒŠใƒซ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท sensationnel

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ sensacional

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท sansasyonel

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์„ ํ’์ ์ธ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุฏู‡ุด

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ senzace

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ senzรกcia

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ฝฐๅŠจ็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ senzacionalno

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รฆรฐislegt

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัะตะฝัะฐั†ะธัะปั‹า›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒ”แƒœแƒกแƒแƒชแƒ˜แƒฃแƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sensasiya

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ sensacional

Etymology

The word 'sensational' originated from the Latin word 'sensationalis', meaning 'pertaining to the senses'. It first appeared in English in the 19th century, primarily used in the context of news reporting to describe stories that evoke strong emotions or reactions. Over time, its usage expanded to include performances, works of art, and events that are exceptionally impressive or exciting.

See also: desensitized, hypersensitivity, insensibility, insensible, insensitive, nonsense, nonsensical, nonsensically, sensation, sensations, sense, senseless, senselessly, sensibility, sensible, sensibly, sensitive, sensitivity, sensor, sensory, sensual, sensuous.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,173, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.