sensationalism

noun

sen·​sa·​tion·​al·​ism sen-ˈsā-sh(ə-)nə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce sensationalism (audio)
1
: empiricism that limits experience as a source of knowledge to sensation or sense perceptions
2
: the use or effect of sensational subject matter or treatment
sensationalist
sen-ˈsā-sh(ə-)nə-list How to pronounce sensationalism (audio)
adjective or noun
sensationalistic
sen-ˌsā-sh(ə-)nə-ˈli-stik How to pronounce sensationalism (audio)
adjective

Examples of sensationalism in a Sentence

The network was accused of sensationalism in its reporting.
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.
Yet, there is a certain appeal to these kinds of whodunits, which focus more on the thrill of investigation without resorting to grisly sensationalism. — Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 22 May 2026 And everybody tuned in because of the sensationalism, but that eventually ended up biting [Meyrowitz] in the end. — David Remnick, New Yorker, 22 May 2026 Her daughter, Rose Lane—a 43-year-old journalist with writer’s block who’d already mined and sold everything salable in her own life—pushed for drama and sensationalism. — Rosemary Counter, Vanity Fair, 6 July 2026 The panelists will go behind the scenes of premium true crime storytelling — exploring what make a series to must-watch television, what tips it into sensationalism, and why that distinction matters more than ever. — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for sensationalism

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sensationalism was in 1846

Rhymes for sensationalism

See All Rhymes for sensationalism

Browse Nearby Words

sensationalise
sensationalism
sensationalist
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Cite this Entry

“Sensationalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensationalism. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sensationalism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sensationalism

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