sentiment

noun

ˈsen-tə-mənt How to pronounce sentiment (audio)
Definition of sentimentnext
1
as in emotion
a subjective response to a person, thing, or situation a sentiment of happiness and goodwill

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in opinion
an idea that is believed to be true or valid without positive knowledge antiwar sentiments

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word sentiment distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of sentiment are affection, emotion, feeling, and passion. While all these words mean "a subjective response to a person, thing, or situation," sentiment often implies an emotion inspired by an idea.

her feminist sentiments are well known

In what contexts can affection take the place of sentiment?

The synonyms affection and sentiment are sometimes interchangeable, but affection applies to feelings that are also inclinations or likings.

a memoir of childhood filled with affection for her family

How do emotion and feeling relate to one another, in the sense of sentiment?

Emotion carries a strong implication of excitement or agitation but, like feeling, encompasses both positive and negative responses.

the drama portrays the emotions of adolescence

When could feeling be used to replace sentiment?

The words feeling and sentiment are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, feeling denotes any partly mental, partly physical response marked by pleasure, pain, attraction, or repulsion; it may suggest the mere existence of a response but imply nothing about the nature or intensity of it.

the feelings that once moved me are gone

When can passion be used instead of sentiment?

The meanings of passion and sentiment largely overlap; however, passion suggests a very powerful or controlling emotion.

revenge became his ruling passion

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 sentiment Speakers at Tuesday’s council meeting echoed the sentiment decrying the endorsement. —Maritza Dominguez, AZCentral.com, 12 July 2025 The sentiment is sweet, but also appears to reference some tumultuous times. —Glamour, 11 July 2025 Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.4 %, weighed down by selling of exporters’ shares amid the yen’s appreciation, which cuts profits from exports, and dampened sentiment because of the lack of progress in the Japan-U.S. trade talks. —Alex Veiga, Fortune, 10 July 2025 The survey ranks company sentiment between zero and 1 — with a .5 reading indicating a neutral outlook balanced between pessimism and optimism. —Tom Hudson, Sun Sentinel, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for sentiment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sentiment
  1. emotion
  2. opinion
  3. feeling
  4. belief
  5. chord
  6. view
  7. sense
  8. mind
Noun
  • In showcasing everything from Norman Rockwell to Charles Schulz, Lucas’s idea is to tap into human emotions/connections in response to this visual storytelling.
    — Tiffany Leigh, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
  • The second season hits Aug. 21, and a new Comic-Con trailer gave us a look at the show's humor, insanity and, yes, even some emotion – all set to a lot of catchy sleaze metal.
    — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 28 July 2025
Definition of emotion
Noun
  • This could have swayed people on social media, but that doesn’t normally impact fighter’s opinions.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
  • Another envelope would follow with the state’s response, then another with the court’s opinion.
    — Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 20 July 2025
Definition of opinion
Noun
  • This sudden feeling of being transported somewhere else?
    — Amanda Hancock, The Courier-Journal, 31 July 2025
  • The good feelings were washed away, precipitating a downfall that in retrospect was inevitable.
    — Seth Emerson, New York Times, 30 July 2025
Definition of feeling
Noun
  • At Obermeyer, that belief is reflected in everything from internal development to community co-creation.
    — Simon Mainwaring, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
  • Ukraine has its own problems with morale and desertion but one sentiment is likely far less prevalent among its ranks: lack of belief in the cause.
    — Andrew Carey, CNN Money, 28 July 2025
Definition of belief
Noun
  • The wholesome video struck a chord with TikTok users, who flooded the comments with laughter and heartfelt reactions.
    — Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025
  • One of Riri’s journeys involves mourning the loss of her best friend, Natalie, a storyline that has struck a chord with early fans.
    — Leigh Nordstrom, Footwear News, 22 July 2025
Definition of chord
Noun
  • The reopening has created a buzz among locals and visitors alike, offering a unique way to cool off in the city—with Eiffel Tower views included.
    — Chrissie McClatchie, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2025
  • The basement is finished and, besides a wine cellar and laundry room, is ready to be transformed into a home theater, wellness center, or both, while the roof terrace provides neighborhood and city views.
    — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 19 July 2025
Definition of view
Noun
  • These questions are helping businesses turn everyday items into brand moments and, in some cases, into movements created through commonality and a sense of community. 5.
    — Douglas Gregory, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Does this album feel different from other projects after achieving that sense of liberation?
    — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 14 July 2025
Definition of sense
Noun
  • Crossword puzzles offer a fantastic opportunity to engage your mind, enjoy leisure time, and test your knowledge simultaneously.
    — Sally Hoelscher, USA Today, 28 July 2025
  • Pitchers such as Sandy Alcántara, Edward Cabrera, Mitch Keller, Zac Gallen or Merrill Kelly come to mind as the new targets for the Cubs.
    — Drew VonScio, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 July 2025
Definition of mind

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sentient
sentiment
sentimental
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Cite this Entry

“Sentiment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sentiment. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.

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