sensationalism

noun

sen·​sa·​tion·​al·​ism sen-ˈsā-sh(ə-)nə-ˌli-zəm 

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 

adjective or noun

sensationalistic

sen-ˌsā-sh(ə-)nə-ˈli-stik 

adjective

Examples of sensationalism in a Sentence

The network was accused of sensationalism in its reporting.

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition to guiding astronomers, the new protocols serve as a powerful reminder that scientists have a profound responsibility to prioritise truth over sensationalism. — Chris Young july 07, New Atlas, 7 July 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

There was a political dimension to the sensationalism—often toward progressivism—and yet the emphasis was on information for an increasingly urban and industrial population. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026

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

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sensationalism

• absolutism
• adventurism
• aestheticism
• africanism
• agnosticism
• alcoholism
• anachronism
• anglicanism
• antagonism
• arianism
• asceticism
• astigmatism