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
An exception is when the goal of provocative or controversial material is prosocial rather than selfish—to challenge discrimination and foster productive dialogue on social issues rather than to sensationalize or garner ratings and profit.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 May 2026
Characters are skewed not to create an evenhanded debate but to sensationalize one, with a young fact-minded novice looking to follow the rules is blindsided by a supercilious writer not willing to bend his vision to the needs of editors, fact checkers or even printers or distributors.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2026
Sauceda said that while there is some truth to the claim in the video, it’s sensationalized and more likely just set up in a way to stop you from scrolling and scare you.
—Eleesha Lockett, Verywell Health, 2 Apr. 2026
What happened next will be difficult to capture in a way that doesn’t sensationalize the details of the attack.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sensationalize
Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 May 2026
Characters are skewed not to create an evenhanded debate but to sensationalize one, with a young fact-minded novice looking to follow the rules is blindsided by a supercilious writer not willing to bend his vision to the needs of editors, fact checkers or even printers or distributors.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2026
Sauceda said that while there is some truth to the claim in the video, it’s sensationalized and more likely just set up in a way to stop you from scrolling and scare you.
—Eleesha Lockett, Verywell Health, 2 Apr. 2026
What happened next will be difficult to capture in a way that doesn’t sensationalize the details of the attack.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sensationalize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensationalize
exaggerate
Verb
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Someone could leave out important details, exaggerate or accidentally confuse you without meaning to.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
11 May 2026
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The league decided to introduce postgame flop fines in the 2012-13 season where plays were reviewed after games and those individuals were fined for exaggerating contact.—
Jon Root OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sensationalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensationalize. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
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