sensationalistic

adjective

Definition of sensationalisticnext
as in sensational
arousing a strong and usually superficial interest or emotional reaction letters to the editor criticizing the newspaper's sensationalistic reporting

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 sensationalistic The result is just old-fashioned cinematic fools’ gold, in which sensationalistic blather poses as social commentary. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2025 With a lesser interpreter, the movie might have been just a sensationalistic shocker, but Keaton brought integrity and emotional candor to Theresa’s messy search to define herself. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019 And the patchwork style of Brij Sadanah’s direction enhances the colorfully over-the-top story, which recasts Wuthering Heights as a sensationalistic revenge drama. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensationalistic
  1. sensational
  2. sensationalist
Adjective
  • Context that undermines sensational allegations is minimized.
    — Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • Thomson’s most interesting point is that many movies are too busy being sensational to serve as a window to the world.
    — Michael O’Donnell, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026
Definition of sensational
Adjective
  • But times have changed, and this team of buffoons is forced to grapple with changing industry ethics and sensationalist journalism in its transition, all while Ron faces an identity crisis that challenges his bravado, his massive ego.
    — Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Definition of sensationalist

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sensationalist
sensationalistic
sensationalize
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Cite this Entry

“Sensationalistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensationalistic. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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