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

Synonyms

• sentimentalism

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

Practically the only star who could handle this awkward blend of sincerity and sentimentality was Robin Williams, and rarely has a film premise seemed better suited to his skills. —Peter Debruge, Variety, 7 Sep. 2025

Rotwood approvingly sees no such sentimentality in Wednesday. —Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025

There's a time to think like a minimalist, and a time to let sentimentality win. —Tessa Cooper, Southern Living, 19 Aug. 2025

The result, combined with vocal chops and a fondness for irony over sentimentality, merged yuppie rock fans, aging punk-rockers, Nashville regulars, and Tonight show viewers (where lang has appeared several times) into one of the broadest possible pop audiences. —EW.com, 13 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sentimentality

• bisexuality
• collegiality
• conditionality
• congeniality
• conventionality
• conviviality
• dimensionality
• directionality
• emotionality
• essentiality
• eventuality
• grammaticality

Kids 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