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
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
Bear attacks are largely over reported, and often sensationalized, in the media, escalating our fear of bears.
—Literary Hub, 3 Mar. 2026
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
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
Eleesha Lockett, Verywell Health, 2 Apr. 2026
Bear attacks are largely over reported, and often sensationalized, in the media, escalating our fear of bears.
—Literary Hub, 3 Mar. 2026
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensationalized
Verb
-
Microsoft, then a small software company didn’t yet have one but exaggerated its readiness by pitching an operating system the company didn't own and hadn't created yet.—
J. Kyle Foster,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 2026
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The scrutiny of fame has always been dehumanizing, though the ubiquity of the modern-day comment section has surely accelerated and exaggerated its cruelty.—
Amanda Petrusich,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Knicks head coach Mike Brown elaborated on Thursday on his Wednesday comments regarding the number of changes his coaching staff made in-season his first year on the job.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
16 Apr. 2026
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In a wide-ranging interview with Variety last month, Aron elaborated on his appreciation for what Ellison has been building, while also touching on the potential for more collaborations with Taylor Swift and the box office rebound that the movie business has been enjoying this year.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sensationalized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensationalized. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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