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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Recent Examples of sensationalize
Then there’s anticipating potential backlash for anything exploitative or sensationalized.
—
Derek Lawrence, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025
However, sensationalized headlines do little to advance meaningful reform.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025
In court filings reviewed by Fox News Digital, the defense argued that prosecutors have stretched federal statutes beyond their intent and engaged in overreach meant to sensationalize the killing.
—Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025
Notoriety trailed Woodhull through her life, but, rather than sensationalizing her scandals, Collinsworth highlights Woodhull’s flair for reinvention, and her drive to set the terms by which she would be remembered.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sensationalize
Derek Lawrence, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025
However, sensationalized headlines do little to advance meaningful reform.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025
In court filings reviewed by Fox News Digital, the defense argued that prosecutors have stretched federal statutes beyond their intent and engaged in overreach meant to sensationalize the killing.
—Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025
Notoriety trailed Woodhull through her life, but, rather than sensationalizing her scandals, Collinsworth highlights Woodhull’s flair for reinvention, and her drive to set the terms by which she would be remembered.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sensationalize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensationalize
exaggerate
Verb
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The aforementioned labels, as well as a few heritage trainer brands, already have strong contenders on the market, including Adidas’s laceless Taekwondo style, which offers an especially chic way to exaggerate the profile.—
Minty Mellon,
Vogue,
29 Jan. 2026
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Schmidt Automotive Research said Chinese growth was exaggerated by special conditions in the second half of 2025 but will still be formidable.—
Neil Winton,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sensationalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensationalize. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
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