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 of sentimentality

• 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

One rescues the other and demonstrates the better qualities of relationships as Berg steadfastly avoids sentimentality, preferring her characters to actually learn from their experiences and live their lives to the fullest. —The Know, Denver Post, 7 Dec. 2025

Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas is not short on sentimentality. —Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 2 Dec. 2025

Money matters, and while Toronto could hold a tiebreaker in a tight bidding war, that sentimentality isn’t going to be enough to make up for any significant financial gap once his market finally flourishes. —Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Nov. 2025

Can his viewer tolerate one big gulp of pure sentimentality after two-plus hours that have largely skirted that tone? —David Sims, The Atlantic, 14 Nov. 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