Synonym Chooser

How is the word sentiment distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of sentiment are affection, emotion, feeling, and passion. While all these words mean "a subjective response to a person, thing, or situation," sentiment often implies an emotion inspired by an idea.

her feminist sentiments are well known

In what contexts can affection take the place of sentiment?

The synonyms affection and sentiment are sometimes interchangeable, but affection applies to feelings that are also inclinations or likings.

a memoir of childhood filled with affection for her family

How do emotion and feeling relate to one another, in the sense of sentiment?

Emotion carries a strong implication of excitement or agitation but, like feeling, encompasses both positive and negative responses.

the drama portrays the emotions of adolescence

When could feeling be used to replace sentiment?

The words feeling and sentiment are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, feeling denotes any partly mental, partly physical response marked by pleasure, pain, attraction, or repulsion; it may suggest the mere existence of a response but imply nothing about the nature or intensity of it.

the feelings that once moved me are gone

When can passion be used instead of sentiment?

The meanings of passion and sentiment largely overlap; however, passion suggests a very powerful or controlling emotion.

revenge became his ruling passion

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sentiment Those sentiments aren't constructive and can be rather patronizing. Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025 These comments follow similar sentiments the media company founder expressed earlier this month. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 21 Sep. 2025 Professional organizers echo this sentiment as well. Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2025 Globsec’s Kudzko echoed that sentiment. Laura Kelly, The Hill, 20 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sentiment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sentiment
Noun
  • Rather than distracting from the acting, the animation also only enhances the heightened emotions of adolescence.
    James Factora, Them., 26 Sep. 2025
  • Getting better one day at a time Chang said Kevin was admitted to the CNS Fort Worth clinic in May 2023 in a challenging condition, unable to walk, and struggling to talk and process his emotions.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during the polling period appeared to have weighed on Americans' opinions, especially for Republicans.
    Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Uncertainty about the motives and opinions of others leads to confusion; common knowledge leads to action.
    Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The whole movie stands on that feeling.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Others, like ace Luis Severino weren’t afraid to share their feelings.
    Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 27 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Old wounds around education or beliefs finally have a chance to heal.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025
  • What is needed, Citarella’s strategy suggests, is an understanding of a kind of post-internet politics, where, like it or not, online life is embraced as part and parcel of how modern belief systems are formed.
    Chris Wiley, New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • At the conference, Farage appeared onstage in a blaze of pyrotechnics and gladiatorial chords.
    Sam Knight, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2025
  • Though brief, the video struck a chord with viewers who found humor in the dramatic before-and-after.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.
    Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025
  • The former is located between Lake Coville and Lake Grosvenor and hosts up to six guests at one time; the latter has amazing views of Nonvianuk Lake and has room for 24 guests across 11 cabins.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Infused with the brand’s signature scent—a warm, sophisticated blend of amber, musk, and florals—this shampoo not only cleanses but also pampers the senses.
    Jenny Berg, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2025
  • One week out from their first playoff game, the Chicago Cubs still do not have a solid timeline for All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker, who has been sidelined nearly all of September with a left calf injury, adding to the club’s sense of urgency.
    Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Keep in mind that these responses are usually experienced by men and women, Bert Mandelbaum, MD, sports medicine specialist at the Regenerative Orthobiologic Center at Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics in Los Angeles, tells SELF.
    Korin Miller, SELF, 22 Sep. 2025
  • My mind begins responding in advance.
    Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sentiment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sentiment. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

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