Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to or involving sensation: Pertaining to the senses or sensory perception.
   • Commanding attention; strikingly impressive or exciting: Something that is so outstanding or dramatic that it captures intense interest.
   • Causing intense interest, curiosity, or emotion, often through being exaggerated or lurid: Designed to provoke a strong, often shocking, reaction.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • The patient underwent tests on his sensational faculties. (This refers to sensory perception.)
  • The artist's new exhibit was a sensational display of color and light. (This means it was strikingly impressive.)
  • The tabloid published a sensational story about the celebrity. (This means it was designed to provoke strong, often shocked, interest.)

Advanced Usage

• In a positive context: Can describe something extraordinarily good or excellent.
  • She gave a sensational performance that earned a standing ovation.
• In a negative or neutral context: Often describes news, stories, or media intended to shock or excite public interest, sometimes at the expense of accuracy.
  • The journalist was accused of writing sensational articles to boost sales.

Variants and Related Words

• Sensation (n): A physical feeling or a widespread reaction of interest and excitement.
  • The new product caused a sensation in the market.
• Sensationally (adv): In a sensational manner.
  • The news was reported sensationally by the media.

Synonyms

• Dramatic: Striking in appearance or effect.
• Spectacular: Beautiful in a dramatic and eye-catching way.
• Startling: Very surprising, astonishing, or alarming.
• Lurid: Presented in vividly shocking or sensational terms.

Antonyms

• Ordinary: With no special or distinctive features; normal.
• Commonplace: Not unusual; ordinary.
• Undramatic: Lacking dramatic quality or excitement.
• Boring: Not interesting; tedious.

Related Phrases

• Sensational journalism: A type of journalism that exaggerates or emphasizes sensational stories to attract readers or viewers.
  • The channel is known for its sensational journalism.
• Sensational find: A discovery that causes great excitement.
  • The archaeologists made a sensational find in the desert.

Adjective

1. relating to or concerned in sensation
   • the sensory cortex
   • sensory organs
2. commanding attention
   • an arresting drawing of people turning into animals
   • a sensational concert--one never to be forgotten
   • a stunning performance
3. causing intense interest, curiosity, or emotion