sensationaryadj.
/s(ɛ)nˈseɪʃn̩(ə)ri/, /s(ɛ)nˈseɪʃənəri/, U.S. /sɛnˈseɪʃ(ə)nɛri/, /sənˈseɪʃ(ə)nɛri/ Now rare.
= sensational adj. (in various senses).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pride > ostentation > spectacular, sensational, or dramatic display > [adjective]
theatric1656
spectacular1682
theatrical1709
dramatic1726
sensationary1755
pyrotechnical1825
grandstand1835
pyrotechnic1848
sensational1859
razzle-dazzle1888
whizz-bang1919
glitzy1966
society > leisure > the arts > literature > style of language or writing > vigour or force > [adjective] > sensational
sensationary1755
lurid1850
sensational1859
sensationist1859
sensationalist1862
sensationalistic1863
yellow book1895
pulpy1915
1755 J. Richardson Thoughts upon Thinking xi. 44 The Object strikes the Retina, and the Sensationary Ducts adjacent.
1864 Realm 18 May 5 It has lately been urged that Shakspeare is sensationary—that Hamlet, Lear, Macbeth, Othello, are heroes of strange and wild adventure.
1888 Dundee Courier & Argus 1 Mar. The debate may be followed by a sensationary incident.
1902 D. M. Thomas U. R. Thomas: Life & Work lix. 440 The services of the Church Army were fantastic and sensationary.
1960 Winters (Texas) Enterprise 1 July 3/4 (caption) The sensationary true story of one of the most controversial murder trials on record.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2016; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.1755