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
Spinella shucks off sentimentality, always showing us Con’s offhand humor and sometimes nervous, defensive rambling.
—
Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 3 June 2026
Anyone who has spoken at a funeral can appreciate the delicate balance of honesty and sentimentality in effect on Hold Onto Me Infinity, a pop album about grief.
—H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 2 June 2026
Kore-eda has generated Spielberg comparisons before, given his facility with child actors, his affinity for dramas about broken families, and his ability to walk a tightrope between sentimentality and restraint.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 27 May 2026
Their relationship was almost saccharine-sweet, and these flashbacks are, in some ways, the first red flag that the show would dip too deep into the well of sentimentality.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sentimentality
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Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 3 June 2026
Anyone who has spoken at a funeral can appreciate the delicate balance of honesty and sentimentality in effect on Hold Onto Me Infinity, a pop album about grief.
—H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 2 June 2026
Kore-eda has generated Spielberg comparisons before, given his facility with child actors, his affinity for dramas about broken families, and his ability to walk a tightrope between sentimentality and restraint.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 27 May 2026
Their relationship was almost saccharine-sweet, and these flashbacks are, in some ways, the first red flag that the show would dip too deep into the well of sentimentality.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sentimentality
Cite this Entry
“Sentimentality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sentimentality. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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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