emotionalism

noun

Definition of emotionalismnext
as in emotionality

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of emotionalism That form inflects the entire movie—the contours of its dramas, the style of the performances, the earnest emotionalism—while also embodying a noteworthy conceptual vision. — Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 20 Feb. 2025 Simmons took that religious devotion to exercise, stripped away its grim asceticism and elitism, and imbued it with pure emotionalism and inclusivity. — Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, The Atlantic, 16 July 2024 There was a not-insignificant strain of complaint about Guardians 3 trading in its fun irreverence for goopy emotionalism and melodrama. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 9 Mar. 2024 The group’s music attracts a loyal following with its soulful, spirited emotionalism. — Brent Lang, Variety, 21 Feb. 2024 See All Example Sentences for emotionalism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for emotionalism
  1. emotionality
  2. sentimentality
  3. melodrama
  4. mawkishness
Noun
  • Capturing the emotionality of the moment was paramount, and an especially incredible feat, considering Pfeiffer and her scene partner had never met before shooting.
    — Hilton Dresden, HollywoodReporter, 12 June 2026
  • Love, on the other hand, is connected to vulnerability, softness and emotionality, which are often viewed as negative qualities in a leader.
    — Gregory Stebbins, Forbes.com, 11 May 2026
Definition of emotionality
Noun
  • More likely, though, Brown said Jefferson’s stockpiling of gloves reflects his sentimentality toward his wife and possibly other women in the family.
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 3 July 2026
  • And what ensues is an hour and a half of aimless, frictionless, inert, and cloying sentimentality without purpose.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 3 July 2026
Definition of sentimentality
Noun
  • But there’s a savvy 2026 vibe about the way the film refuses to create florid melodrama out of quotidian crisis, and instead observes with generosity as the characters grope awkwardly toward emotional détente and mutual forgiveness.
    — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026
  • The show focuses on a love triangle between brothers Conrad (Christopher Briney) and Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno) and their childhood friend Belly (Lola Tung), and the fallout of the love triangle's melodrama on their family and friends.
    — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
Definition of melodrama
Noun
  • These films explore those bonds without ever resorting to bromides or mawkishness.
    — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Then things just unravel into a half-hour of thoroughly phony mawkishness.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2025
Definition of mawkishness

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Cite this Entry

“Emotionalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/emotionalism. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on emotionalism

Nglish: Translation of emotionalism for Spanish Speakers

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