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 adjective or noun
sensationalistic 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.
Tijuana is a city that represents much more than border tourism or the trap of violent sensationalism. Frida Guiza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025 One of the most famous of the walkers was Edward Payton Weston, whose many ultra-walks touted a mix of sensationalism, spectacle, manliness, and health. The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 26 Mar. 2025 That is to say, Welles had matched Hearst in his capacity for sensationalism, crafting a brilliant feature film that doubled as its own sort of yellow journalism. John Semley, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Feb. 2025 One of the best ways to get attention is by negativity and sensationalism. Jonquilyn Hill, Vox, 16 Mar. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Sensationalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensationalism. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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