sensationalism

1 of 2

noun (1)

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

sensationalist

2 of 2

noun (2)

sen·​sa·​tion·​al·​ist

-lə̇st

plural -s

1

a

: one who seeks to make sensations

b

: one who practices sensationalism (as in writing)

2

: an advocate of or believer in ethical or philosophical sensationalism

Examples of sensationalism in a Sentence

Noun (1)

The network was accused of sensationalism in its reporting.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

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

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

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

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

sensational + -ist

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sensationalism

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