Definition of sentimentnext

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 North Korea has denied responsibility for numerous previous incidents blamed on it by Seoul and described the allegations as plots to stir anti-Pyongyang sentiment. — ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026 But Brown stressed that this is still a new team going into a new season — a sentiment star point guard Jalen Brunson seconded. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 28 Sep. 2026 Moving forward, as AI investment and adoption continue, worker sentiment may change. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2026 All of these sentiments ring true for Paige’s Frances wide-leg jeans. — Ali Faccenda, InStyle, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sentiment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sentiment
Noun
  • Command presence holds time itself in an infinite now while maneuvers like the kettle choreograph the movement of information and emotions within it.
    — Sophie Landres, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • According to Pennington, Edward Jones has been using AI to better identify common financial scenarios their clients encounter, and gain new insight into both their experience and the emotions associated with it.
    — Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Lack of Visual Contrast In Johnson’s opinion, the most timeless living rooms mix different finishes, textures, colors, silhouettes, and personal touches throughout.
    — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Finally — a big question — how does Kendrick stay true to herself in an industry where everyone has an opinion on her?
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 27 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The general feelings around Paper Tiger feel distinct from Gray’s past films as well.
    — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Lovely feeling in this prewar apartment, with nice light and plenty of space — definitely pretty far out, though.
    — Nora DeLigter, Curbed, 25 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Asif said the alliance reflected a belief among its members that existing security arrangements had failed to protect Gulf countries as the conflict involving Iran spread across the region.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Sep. 2026
  • What struck me then, and has stayed with me ever since, is that lasting leadership development requires an identity shift—one contingent on letting go of assumptions, beliefs and ways of operating.
    — Carol Geffner, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The three chords in primary colors, a truth that didn’t need explaining.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The video of Peña belting out the song while outfitted in his mariachi regalia struck a chord with audiences online after the group posted it on social media.
    — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • We’re given a grand vista of demolition, and also close-ups of Ghidorah seen from the point-of-view of Professor Murakami (Min Tanaka), a Hiroshima survivor who’s been doing biological creature research.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 27 Sep. 2026
  • The Aries Full Moon activates your career zone, bringing recognition, ambition, or a long-developing goal into clearer view.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Iran makes another push before heading home In a sign of Tehran’s apparent sense of urgency, Pezeshkian hosted the prime minister of Qatar, the mediator in the indirect talks, early Friday before much of New York rolled out of bed.
    — Cara Anna, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026
  • In a sign of Tehran’s apparent sense of urgency, Pezeshkian hosted the prime minister of Qatar, the mediator in the indirect talks, early Friday before much of New York rolled out of bed.
    — Cara Anna, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Approved by frequent travelers, this portable device will effectively set your mind at ease when attempting to enjoy a restful vacation away from potential threats and unknown cameras.
    — Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Related Articles After meeting Johanna Rees, vice president for programming and creative partnerships at the Hollywood Bowl, Halsey pitched an idea that had long been brewing in her mind.
    — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 29 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sentiment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sentiment. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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