emotionalism

noun

emo·​tion·​al·​ism i-ˈmō-sh(ə-)nə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce emotionalism (audio)
Synonyms of emotionalismnext
1
: a tendency to regard things emotionally
2
: undue indulgence in or display of emotion

Examples of emotionalism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The group’s music attracts a loyal following with its soulful, spirited emotionalism. — Brent Lang, Variety, 21 Feb. 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 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 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 See All Example Sentences for emotionalism

Word History

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of emotionalism was in 1865

Rhymes for emotionalism

See All Rhymes for emotionalism

Browse Nearby Words

emotional intelligence
emotionalism
emotionalist
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Cite this Entry

“Emotionalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emotionalism. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on emotionalism

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for emotionalism

Nglish: Translation of emotionalism for Spanish Speakers

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