as in exaggerated
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 sensationalized
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
Watkins later retracted her statements after she was sensationalized by the media.
—Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 6 Oct. 2025
However, there are and always will be those who choose to believe the tabloids’ sensationalized version of events.
—Sam Reed, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025
The king of Haiti’s tragic death is one of the most dramatized, and sensationalized, episodes in Haitian history.
—Marlene L. Daut
september 22, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2025
Studies have found that people who watch a lot of local news, in which crime is often sensationalized, tend to get a distorted view of how dangerous their neighborhood is.
—Zeynep Tufekci, Mercury News, 16 Sep. 2025
Derek Lawrence, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025
However, sensationalized headlines do little to advance meaningful reform.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025
Watkins later retracted her statements after she was sensationalized by the media.
—Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 6 Oct. 2025
However, there are and always will be those who choose to believe the tabloids’ sensationalized version of events.
—Sam Reed, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025
The king of Haiti’s tragic death is one of the most dramatized, and sensationalized, episodes in Haitian history.
—Marlene L. Daut
september 22, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2025
Studies have found that people who watch a lot of local news, in which crime is often sensationalized, tend to get a distorted view of how dangerous their neighborhood is.
—Zeynep Tufekci, Mercury News, 16 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensationalized
Verb
-
The dip in play has been exaggerated, but the Chiefs do need more.—
Sam McDowell
November 7,
Kansas City Star,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Machado also pushed back on suggestions that Venezuela’s role in drug trafficking had been exaggerated to support the argument of those calling for regime change.—
Billy Stockwell,
CNN Money,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Now, over three hours in the sheriff’s office, Ryan elaborated.—
Jamie Thompson,
The Atlantic,
6 Nov. 2025
-
In an interview, Benjamin elaborated.—
Pien Huang,
NPR,
4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sensationalized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensationalized. Accessed 29 Nov. 2025.
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