What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sensational
Example
The newspaper published a sensational headline about the celebrity scandal. [sensational: adjective]
Example
The movie was a sensational success at the box office. [sensational: adjective]
dramatic
Example
The play had a dramatic ending that left the audience in tears. [dramatic: adjective]
Example
The company experienced a dramatic increase in sales after launching their new product. [dramatic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dramatic is more commonly used than sensational in everyday language. Dramatic is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sensational is less common and often associated with tabloid journalism or gossip.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sensational and dramatic?
Dramatic is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts. Sensational, on the other hand, is typically associated with a more informal or sensationalistic tone.