sensationalize
verb
sen·sa·tion·al·ize
sen-ˈsā-sh(ə-)nə-ˌlīz 
sensationalized; sensationalizing
: to present in a sensational manner
Examples of sensationalize in a Sentence
Journalists should report the news accurately without trying to sensationalize it.
Recent Examples on the Web
Studies have found that people who watch a lot of local news, in which crime is often sensationalized, tend to get a distorted view of how dangerous their neighborhood is.
—
Zeynep Tufekci, Mercury News, 16 Sep. 2025
Aware of the raw, incendiary power of her subject matter, Ben Hania doesn’t sensationalize this story, keeping the action fixed entirely in the call center itself, with actors portraying the dispatchers on the line.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025
Taxpayers should be cautious of advisors who sensationalize denaturalization risks to generate fees.
—Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
Inspired by the open, flat expanse of the American prairie, Wright’s designs sensationalized both the interior and home design worlds.
—AFAR Media, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sensationalize
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.
Zeynep Tufekci, Mercury News, 16 Sep. 2025
Aware of the raw, incendiary power of her subject matter, Ben Hania doesn’t sensationalize this story, keeping the action fixed entirely in the call center itself, with actors portraying the dispatchers on the line.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025
Taxpayers should be cautious of advisors who sensationalize denaturalization risks to generate fees.
—Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
Inspired by the open, flat expanse of the American prairie, Wright’s designs sensationalized both the interior and home design worlds.
—AFAR Media, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sensationalize
Cite this Entry
“Sensationalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensationalize. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share