Definition of sentimentnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word sentiment distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of sentiment are affection, emotion, feeling, and passion. While all these words mean "a subjective response to a person, thing, or situation," sentiment often implies an emotion inspired by an idea.

her feminist sentiments are well known

In what contexts can affection take the place of sentiment?

The synonyms affection and sentiment are sometimes interchangeable, but affection applies to feelings that are also inclinations or likings.

a memoir of childhood filled with affection for her family

How do emotion and feeling relate to one another, in the sense of sentiment?

Emotion carries a strong implication of excitement or agitation but, like feeling, encompasses both positive and negative responses.

the drama portrays the emotions of adolescence

When could feeling be used to replace sentiment?

The words feeling and sentiment are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, feeling denotes any partly mental, partly physical response marked by pleasure, pain, attraction, or repulsion; it may suggest the mere existence of a response but imply nothing about the nature or intensity of it.

the feelings that once moved me are gone

When can passion be used instead of sentiment?

The meanings of passion and sentiment largely overlap; however, passion suggests a very powerful or controlling emotion.

revenge became his ruling passion

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of sentiment At the same time, authoritarian regimes across the region, including Iran, are enabled by and thrive on anti-imperial sentiments reanimated by America’s direct and indirect military power. Mehrnoush Soroush, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026 The post reflects the sentiment a rep for Spears provided to Rolling Stone shortly after the arrest and subsequent release. Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 27 Mar. 2026 Anti-American sentiment runs deep in Iran, driven by people who have no problem becoming martyrs. Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2026 What souring sentiment means for the economy Declining consumer sentiment has not translated to weaker spending in recent years. Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sentiment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sentiment
Noun
  • An assembly of planets in Aries moves through your twelfth house, stirring emotions behind the scenes and asking for careful tending.
    Kirah Tabourn, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026
  • At Gardner Elementary, one of the schools set to close, students and parents described a day filled with uncertainty and emotion.
    Da Lin, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.
    Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Ask your server for their opinion on the natural wines, or go for a low-key aperitivo.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Security lines have remained close to pre-shutdown times, an airport spokesperson said earlier this week, but workers who are showing up report feeling burnt out and fatigued, according to interviews with The Sacramento Bee.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The Pfizer World Headquarters conversion is already underway, and that will drop quite a few residents into the area and give it a less forlorn feeling outside of business hours.
    Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • But, for many American Jews, Zionism has come to represent the belief that there should be such a home—both because of the Jewish people’s ties to their ancestral land and because of the centuries of persecution that Jews endured, culminating with the Holocaust.
    Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • According to Christian belief, Jesus was arrested, tried by Roman authorities and sentenced to death by crucifixion.
    Julia Gomez, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Crook wrote, directed and stars in Small Prophets, which has struck a chord with viewers.
    Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 25 Mar. 2026
  • In a refrain that should strike a familiar chord with Netflix investors, Neumann emphasized that more quotidian partnerships aren’t necessarily a great fit for the service.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 25 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • His predecessor, former NSA director Mike Rogers, shared a similar view.
    Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 26 Mar. 2026
  • David’s view The voters most keen to talk with political reporters are, typically, extremely engaged in politics.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • A little bit of that football mindset in the sense of you just got to go 1-0 that day.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 29 Mar. 2026
  • It is celebrated with a ceremonious parade that features a cavalcade of men dressed in Roman soldier costumes, evoking a sense of solemn thanksgiving and spiritual devotion.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Tax season, savings strategies, and investment planning are all pulling at your attention, and your analytical mind is more than capable of working through the complexity.
    Kirah Tabourn, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Trust in the power of the mind.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sentiment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sentiment. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

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