What does sensational mean?
Sensational describes language, events, or publicity that produces strong feelings, particularly excitement, shock, or amazement. It is commonly used of news reports, claims, advertisements, and performances, and it may indicate that the subject is being presented in a dramatic or exaggerated way. The word can therefore carry either approval or criticism: a performance might be described as sensational because of its extraordinary impact, while a news story might be called sensational because it prioritizes thrills over careful reporting. In everyday use, sensational often suggests something that provokes a memorable reaction and attracts attention. It is closely related to sensation and sensationalism, but it functions primarily as an adjective, distinguishing the quality of a story, claim, result, or event.
adjectiveCausing or intended to cause strong excitement or shock, especially by being dramatic or emotionally stirring. It can also mean exaggerating something in order to attract attention.
- Causing or intended to cause strong excitement, shock, or intense emotional reaction.
- Presented in a dramatic, exaggerated, or attention-grabbing way, especially in journalism or publicity.
- Having exceptionally strong impact or appeal, as in a sensational success.
"The newspaper published a sensational account of the discovery, attracting widespread public interest."
"The announcement was met with a sensational response across the country."
"Researchers cautioned that several sensational claims had not been independently verified."
A sensational story is often remembered long after the facts have faded, which is exactly why the word carries both excitement and a warning about exaggeration.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sensational come from?
The word is derived from sensation, which comes from Latin sensatio, a “feeling or perception,” from sentire, “to perceive or feel.” The adjective sensational developed in the 19th century in the sense of relating to sensation, and later came to mean strongly exciting or shocking. Its modern critical sense, suggesting dramatic exaggeration, became established especially in discussions of journalism and public publicity.
Related word forms
How sensational is actually used
In journalism, sensational is often critical: it suggests that emphasis, shock, or exaggeration is being used to attract an audience. It can also be positive when describing something exceptionally popular or exciting.
Easily confused with sensational
Sensational means emotionally exciting, shocking, or designed to attract attention, whereas sensate means having or relating to the senses or to sense perception.