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
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
But my newfound adoration for Rock City goes far beyond sentimentality.
—
Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 8 Nov. 2025
Dek is the weakest link in his warrior family, and the arrival of their father cements that fact; there is no sentimentality here as the elder predator orders Kwei to kill his brother and be done with him.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2025
The video production is lush, the sentimentality laid on thick — this is a movie that’s far more interested in playing familiar notes about how cinema is magical and storytelling is vital for the already converted than taking a critical look at its subjects.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
Richard’s account would probably differ and have more to do with Lorenz’s alcoholism, depression, erratic work habits, and aversion to sentimentality.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sentimentality
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Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 8 Nov. 2025
Dek is the weakest link in his warrior family, and the arrival of their father cements that fact; there is no sentimentality here as the elder predator orders Kwei to kill his brother and be done with him.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2025
The video production is lush, the sentimentality laid on thick — this is a movie that’s far more interested in playing familiar notes about how cinema is magical and storytelling is vital for the already converted than taking a critical look at its subjects.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
Richard’s account would probably differ and have more to do with Lorenz’s alcoholism, depression, erratic work habits, and aversion to sentimentality.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sentimentality
Cite this Entry
“Sentimentality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sentimentality. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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