sensationalize

verb

sen·​sa·​tion·​al·​ize sen-ˈsā-sh(ə-)nə-ˌlīz 

sensationalized; sensationalizing

transitive verb

: to present in a sensational manner

Examples of sensationalize in a Sentence

Journalists should report the news accurately without trying to sensationalize it.

Recent Examples on the Web

Characters are skewed not to create an evenhanded debate but to sensationalize one, with a young fact-minded novice looking to follow the rules is blindsided by a supercilious writer not willing to bend his vision to the needs of editors, fact checkers or even printers or distributors. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2026

Sauceda said that while there is some truth to the claim in the video, it’s sensationalized and more likely just set up in a way to stop you from scrolling and scare you. —Eleesha Lockett, Verywell Health, 2 Apr. 2026

What happened next will be difficult to capture in a way that doesn’t sensationalize the details of the attack. —Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2026

Bear attacks are largely over reported, and often sensationalized, in the media, escalating our fear of bears. —Literary Hub, 3 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sensationalize

• contextualize
• industrialize
• materialise
• materialize
• memorialize
• microenterprise
• overemphasize
• particularize
• revolutionise
• revolutionize
• actualize
• antagonize