sensationalism

noun

sen·​sa·​tion·​al·​ism sen-ˈsā-sh(ə-)nə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce sensationalism (audio)
1
: empiricism that limits experience as a source of knowledge to sensation or sense perceptions
2
: the use or effect of sensational subject matter or treatment
sensationalist adjective or noun
sensationalistic adjective

Examples of sensationalism in a Sentence

The network was accused of sensationalism in its reporting.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Traditional charity films often swing between two extremes: earnestness that bores or sensationalism that exploits. Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025 The miscommunication that Scorsese’s blurb refers to as the essence of our crise is the product of both political tragedy and B-movie sensationalism. Armond White, National Review, 23 July 2025 Spurred on by media sensationalism, the tour continued until March 19, 1982, when Rhoads died in a freak accident. Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 22 July 2025 Unlike commercial media, where the profit motive often creates incentives to emphasize conflict and sensationalism, public media generally seeks to provide balanced perspectives that encourage dialogue and mutual respect. Stephanie A, The Conversation, 21 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for sensationalism

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sensationalism was in 1846

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Cite this Entry

“Sensationalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensationalism. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

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