as in sentimentalism
the state or quality of having an excess of tender feelings (as of love, nostalgia, or compassion)
the sentimentality of the story of star-crossed lovers only made it even more popular with moviegoers
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sentimentality
Traditionally cynical and perceptive commentators—not to mention a lot of tired citizens—found themselves, in some accounts, overcome by an unexpected wave of patriotic sentimentality that washed away, at least for a moment, their gnawing doubts.
—
Christopher Hooks,
Harpers Magazine,
23 June 2026
The second half, which dips into profundity and sentimentality while not always hitting the mark per Ryan, will be a harder sell for the audience that the film‘s opening sequences (and its marketing) attracts.
—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
19 June 2026
There’s nonetheless a critical tweak built into the scene involving the uses of childhood sentimentality, and here, again, Spielberg suggests a self-awareness of the dangers of his practice, and the essential importance of having a virtuous idea system at the heart of such a drama.
—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
16 June 2026
Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal wasn't seeking any sentimentality for his return from elbow surgery.
—
CBS News,
14 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for sentimentality
Christopher Hooks,
Harpers Magazine,
23 June 2026
The second half, which dips into profundity and sentimentality while not always hitting the mark per Ryan, will be a harder sell for the audience that the film‘s opening sequences (and its marketing) attracts.
—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
19 June 2026
There’s nonetheless a critical tweak built into the scene involving the uses of childhood sentimentality, and here, again, Spielberg suggests a self-awareness of the dangers of his practice, and the essential importance of having a virtuous idea system at the heart of such a drama.
—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
16 June 2026
Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal wasn't seeking any sentimentality for his return from elbow surgery.
—
CBS News,
14 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for sentimentality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sentimentality
sentimentalism
Noun
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The Academy historically goes for sentimentalism.
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While leaders of the nature-study movement warned against sentimentalism and make-believe, young readers were delighted by such tales.
Cite this Entry
“Sentimentality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sentimentality. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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