sensationalism
noun
sen·sa·tion·al·ism
sen-ˈsā-sh(ə-)nə-ˌli-zəm 
2
: the use or effect of sensational subject matter or treatment
Examples of sensationalism in a Sentence
The network was accused of sensationalism in its reporting.
Recent Examples on the Web
But, for all the sensationalism that has attended the reporting of this story, nothing that Orbán said privately deviated from his public positions.
—
Kapil Komireddi, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2026
The platforms are too large, and the incentives are too deeply wired toward sensationalism.
—Steven Burg, Sun Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2026
The experiences of Americans − from social movements and racial tensions to government foibles, consumerism, media sensationalism and even the American dream itself − have informed our dramatic productions.
—Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026
But the documentary is an ungainly blend of ultra-earnest hagiography and trashy true-crime sensationalism, without being completely satisfying as either.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sensationalism
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Kapil Komireddi, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2026
The platforms are too large, and the incentives are too deeply wired toward sensationalism.
—Steven Burg, Sun Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2026
The experiences of Americans − from social movements and racial tensions to government foibles, consumerism, media sensationalism and even the American dream itself − have informed our dramatic productions.
—Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026
But the documentary is an ungainly blend of ultra-earnest hagiography and trashy true-crime sensationalism, without being completely satisfying as either.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sensationalism
Cite this Entry
“Sensationalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensationalism. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
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