sentimentality

noun

sen·​ti·​men·​tal·​i·​ty ˌsen-tə-ˌmen-ˈta-lə-tē How to pronounce sentimentality (audio)
-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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
De Niro received an Oscar nomination for his unforgettable performance, and Williams brings a gentle humanism to a role that could have easily slipped into sentimentality. Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025 Woody the sheriff and Buzz Lightyear will be back, sparking up our hearts with more fun for Fire signs who love adventure, Earth signs who appreciate the sentimentality, Air signs who laugh at the banter and Water signs who believe in fantasy. Lisa Stardust, People.com, 18 June 2025 The sentimentality of the logline is undercut by Burnett’s dreamlike evocations of girlhood. Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 14 June 2025 Even during times of economic or political strife, the category as a whole traditionally maintains its stronghold, whether for reasons of sentimentality or investment. Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for sentimentality

Word History

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sentimentality was in 1770

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Cite this Entry

“Sentimentality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sentimentality. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

sentimentality

noun
sen·​ti·​men·​tal·​i·​ty ˌsent-ə-ˌmen-ˈtal-ət-ē How to pronounce sentimentality (audio)
-mən-
plural sentimentalities
1
: the quality or state of being sentimental and especially overly sentimental
2
: a sentimental idea or its expression

More from Merriam-Webster on sentimentality

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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