sensational
Thrilling beyond expectation
Sensational has two main senses that share an emphasis on strong reaction.
Something sensational causes a sensation—it's thrilling, shocking, or wildly impressive: The series finale was sensational.
In journalism, sensational describes coverage that exaggerates or exploits shocking elements to provoke emotional response: sensational headlines, sensational reporting.
The tabloid sense carries disapproval; the impressive sense is purely positive.
Exaggeratedly emotional in expression
- overwroughtExcessively emotional or elaborate
- theatricalExaggeratedly emotional for effect
- histrionicExaggeratedly emotional in behavior
- exaggeratedMade larger than reality
hyperbolic · overblown · lurid · tabloid · yellow journalism · clickbait · hype · bombastic
Strikingly impressive to behold
- stunningExtremely impressive or beautiful
- amazingCausing great wonder
- astoundingShockingly impressive
- remarkableWorthy of attention
extraordinary · phenomenal · incredible · mind-blowing · awe-inspiring · jaw-dropping · staggering · showstopping
Intensely thrilling or stimulating
- excitingArousing eager interest
- grippingHolding attention completely
- rivetingCompletely holding one's attention
- captivatingDeeply holding one's attention
enthralling · breathtaking · exhilarating · spine-tingling · heart-pounding · edge-of-seat · nail-biting · suspenseful
Strikingly beautiful
- strikingNoticeably impressive
- eye-catchingImmediately noticeable, visually
- radiantEmitting light or joy
- resplendentImpressively beautiful, richly shining
glamorous · exquisite · alluring · ravishing · breathtaking · stunning · splendid · elegant
melodramatic
Exaggeratedly emotional in expression
- overwroughtExcessively emotional or elaborate
- theatricalExaggeratedly emotional for effect
- histrionicExaggeratedly emotional in behavior
exaggerated · hyperbolic · overblown · lurid · tabloid · yellow journalism · clickbait · hype · bombastic · inflammatory
spectacular
Strikingly impressive to behold
- stunningExtremely impressive or beautiful
- amazingCausing great wonder
- astoundingShockingly impressive
remarkable · extraordinary · phenomenal · incredible · mind-blowing · awe-inspiring · jaw-dropping · staggering · showstopping · magnificent
electrifying
Intensely thrilling or stimulating
- excitingArousing eager interest
- grippingHolding attention completely
- rivetingCompletely holding one's attention
captivating · enthralling · breathtaking · exhilarating · spine-tingling · heart-pounding · edge-of-seat · nail-biting · suspenseful · cliffhanger
gorgeous
Strikingly beautiful
- strikingNoticeably impressive
- eye-catchingImmediately noticeable, visually
- radiantEmitting light or joy
resplendent · glamorous · exquisite · alluring · ravishing · breathtaking · stunning · splendid · elegant · magnificent
- amazingastonishing, astounding, breathtaking, extraordinary, incredible
- eye-catchingstriking, conspicuous, noticeable, prominent, eye-catching
- tabloidsNational Enquirer, TMZ, Daily Mail, People, Globe
- theatricaltheatrical, dramatic, melodramatic, histrionic, hammy
- buzzwordssynergy, leverage, paradigm, stakeholder, scalable
- melodramatichistrionic, theatrical, overwrought, exaggerated, dramatic
sensationalunderstated
Deliberately minimized in expression
restrained · measured · sober · factual · balanced
- burning sensationPainful heat-like feeling
- cramping sensationInvoluntary muscle tightening pain
- overnight sensationRapid rise to fame
- cooling sensationPerception of lowered temperature
- viral sensationRapidly spreading online content
- tingling sensationPrickling nerve awareness
sensation, sensationalism, sensations, sensationalist, sensationally, sensationalize, sensationalized, sensationalizes, sensationalists