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

Walsh and Sherman both recognized Lupino’s superior intellect and resistance to unearned sentimentality. —Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 25 Sep. 2025

With a season on life support, there is no place for sentimentality. —Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 20 Sep. 2025

The heavy-handed sentimentality is a welcome, necessary respite. —James Grebey, Time, 12 Sep. 2025

The watery-eyed Stephen King adaptation The Life of Chuck may have failed to catch fire at the box office this summer, but it’s expected to be followed up by at least two movies offering similar sorts of expansive sentimentality this fall. —Emma Alpern, Vulture, 11 Sep. 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