-shən ə l, -shnəl adjective
1. : of or relating to sensation or the senses : having or characterized by sensation : involving, depending on, or inducing sensations
2.
a. : arousing or suited or designed to arouse a quick, intense, and usually superficial emotional response
a sensational news report
a sensational play
sensational crime reporting
b. : capturing attention or interest : arresting , spectacular
her sensational private life kept her continually before the public — American Guide Series: Louisiana
nothing sensational , simply honest building and good stonecutting — Willa Cather
c. : extraordinary , phenomenal
a sensational rookie
a sensational advancement from major to major general — Time
3. : of or relating to sensationalism
the sensational school