sentimentality

noun

sen·​ti·​men·​tal·​i·​ty ˌsen-tə-ˌmen-ˈta-lə-tē How to pronounce sentimentality (audio)
-mən-
plural sentimentalities
Synonyms of sentimentalitynext
1
: the quality or state of being sentimental especially to excess or in affectation
2
: a sentimental idea or its expression

Synonyms of sentimentality

Examples of sentimentality in a Sentence

the sentimentality of Romantic poetry the sentimentality of the story of star-crossed lovers only made it even more popular with moviegoers
Recent Examples on the Web
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Rosenberg crafts these two characters with realistic resonance, though his film veers into sentimentality and some plot points are too coincidental to be entirely believable. Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 19 May 2026 That lack of sentimentality persists throughout — through the war wherein the architect gets shipped to the Eastern Front and his wife must find a way to survive an occupation in her house of Soviet soldiers, and right up to the final section. Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026 Handwoven all-weather wicker meets weather-resistant upholstery throughout the collection, meaning mildew is far away, and a long, vibey night of summer sentimentality is just ahead. Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 15 May 2026 The sentimentality for Jalisco’s is perhaps due in part to José’s philosophy on customer service. Kansas City Star, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for sentimentality

Word History

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sentimentality was in 1770

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Cite this Entry

“Sentimentality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sentimentality. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

sentimentality

noun
sen·​ti·​men·​tal·​i·​ty ˌsent-ə-ˌmen-ˈtal-ət-ē How to pronounce sentimentality (audio)
-mən-
plural sentimentalities
1
: the quality or state of being sentimental and especially overly sentimental
2
: a sentimental idea or its expression

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