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
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
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
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
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
-
There are some who worry that the transformative power of AI in health care might be exaggerated, at least based on what’s in use now.—
Emily Brindley,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Mar. 2026
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Critics say the company's goals are far-fetched and its claims exaggerated.—
Rob Stein,
NPR,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Before Tuesday’s game against the Phialldephia 76ers, Kornet elaborated on his decision to share his perspective.—
Jared Weiss,
New York Times,
2 Mar. 2026
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Carew elaborated by sharing that early intervention and mentorship are key to reducing crashes involving young drivers.—
Nakell Williams,
CBS News,
2 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sensationalized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensationalized. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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