SENSATIONALIZE Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

sensationalize

verb

as in to exaggerate

disapproving to describe or show something in a way that makes it seem more shocking than it really is Journalists should report the news accurately without trying to sensationalize it.

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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of sensationalize There is an undeniable oversupply of negative, fear-inducing and even sensationalized content. —

Heather V. MacArthur, Forbes.com, 18 Jan. 2026 Aside from Tapia, the most high-profile figure named in the investigation, there are other protagonists whose entanglement has sensationalized the story. —

Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026 Malice chooses not to sensationalize the moment. —

Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 14 Nov. 2025 In addition to recentering the story, the new show shies away from violence on screen, so as to avoid sensationalizing Gacy. —

Lex Goldstein, PEOPLE, 13 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sensationalize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensationalize

exaggerate

Verb

The team, according to records shared with Semafor by Moore’s office, is digging into whether Moore had exaggerated his military record, as well as his high school and collegiate basketball tenure.

— Max Tani, semafor.com, 6 Apr. 2026
Former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, whose term featured record numbers of disappearances and homicides, complained that political adversaries were exaggerating the problem to smear his reputation and legacy.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2026