sensation
8 synonyms and 1 antonyms for sensation, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A physical feeling produced by something affecting the body or senses.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use sensation
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French, ultimately from Latin sensus, "sense" or "feeling."
Full origin of sensation →Frequently asked questions
What does “sensation” mean?
The word “sensation” means a physical feeling produced by something affecting the body or senses. In plain terms, either a physical feeling in your body, or a burst of public excitement.
How do you pronounce “sensation”?
“Sensation” is pronounced sehn-SAY-shuhn (/sɛnˈseɪʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “sensation” in a sentence?
Here is “sensation” used in a sentence: “She felt a tingling sensation in her fingers.”
What is another word for “sensation”?
Words with a similar meaning to “sensation” include feeling and perception.
What is the opposite of “sensation”?
The opposite of “sensation” — its antonyms — is lack of sensation.
What part of speech is “sensation”?
“Sensation” is a noun.
Where does the word “sensation” come from?
The word “sensation” comes from Latin. From Old French, ultimately from Latin sensus, "sense" or "feeling.".
Is “sensation” a common word?
“Sensation” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between sensation and feeling?
A sensation is a physical response registered through the body or senses, such as heat, pain, or tingling. A feeling can be physical but often refers to an emotion or general impression, making it the broader term.
What is the difference between sensation and emotion?
A sensation is a bodily experience triggered through the senses, while an emotion is a mental and psychological state such as joy or fear. Put simply, sensation is physical and emotion is affective.
When is someone called a sensation?
Someone is called a sensation when they suddenly attract widespread public excitement or attention, as in an "overnight sensation." In this sense the word describes a person or event causing a wave of interest.
What words commonly go with sensation?
Common collocations include "burning sensation," "tingling sensation," "overnight sensation," and "cause a sensation." The first two describe physical feelings, while the latter two describe public excitement.