sentimentality
noun
sen·ti·men·tal·i·ty
ˌsen-tə-ˌmen-ˈta-lə-tē 
-mən-
plural sentimentalities
1
: the quality or state of being sentimental especially to excess or in affectation
2
: a sentimental idea or its expression
Examples of sentimentality in a Sentence
the sentimentality of Romantic poetry
the sentimentality of the story of star-crossed lovers only made it even more popular with moviegoers
Recent Examples on the Web
Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal wasn't seeking any sentimentality for his return from elbow surgery.
—
CBS News, 14 June 2026
Tarik Skubal wasn't seeking any sentimentality for his return from elbow surgery.
—ABC News, 13 June 2026
Hockney’s own work may have had its touches of anxiety and tension, but humor, wit, resplendent color, a touch of unapologetic sentimentality, even beauty—these facets took precedence.
—Mark Rozzo, Vanity Fair, 12 June 2026
Sarnoski’s version likewise recasts the female character as a benevolent force, and is largely stripped of romance — though permits itself a streak of sentimentality in a subplot concerning the grizzled outlaw’s gentle bond with a young girl.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for sentimentality
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CBS News, 14 June 2026
Tarik Skubal wasn't seeking any sentimentality for his return from elbow surgery.
—ABC News, 13 June 2026
Hockney’s own work may have had its touches of anxiety and tension, but humor, wit, resplendent color, a touch of unapologetic sentimentality, even beauty—these facets took precedence.
—Mark Rozzo, Vanity Fair, 12 June 2026
Sarnoski’s version likewise recasts the female character as a benevolent force, and is largely stripped of romance — though permits itself a streak of sentimentality in a subplot concerning the grizzled outlaw’s gentle bond with a young girl.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for sentimentality
Cite this Entry
“Sentimentality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sentimentality. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sentimentality
noun
sen·ti·men·tal·i·ty
ˌsent-ə-ˌmen-ˈtal-ət-ē
-mən-
plural sentimentalities
1
: the quality or state of being sentimental and especially overly sentimental
2
: a sentimental idea or its expression
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