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 Moreover, for six months, sentiment around AI was souring. John Towfighi, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2026 The improving sentiment follows several key developments. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2026 Other fans who recently attended games shared similar sentiments with the Daily News. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 17 Apr. 2026 Angels star Mike Trout shared his sentiments on social media early Friday before speaking to the media before Friday’s game. Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sentiment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sentiment
Noun
  • Although the crew is still experiencing a whirlwind of emotions, Koch said one silver lining is their ability to sleep in any time zone that offers some shut-eye.
    Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 18 Apr. 2026
  • And this complex web of emotions is what Claire and Jamie are grappling with when Bree, Roger, Marsali, and her children arrive at Fraser’s Ridge to inform them that their son is dead.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • That’s just one opinion, though.
    Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Vote here The Baltimore Sun reader poll is an unscientific survey in which website users volunteer their opinions on the subject of the poll.
    Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The college aims to give its students an education that is not just about their work but about their lives—instilling in them a sense of purpose, restoring their feeling of competence, teaching them virtue.
    Emma Green, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026
  • It’s designed to mimic the feeling of a luxury hotel bed, per the brand, with a soft and breathable pillow top, targeted back support, and a pressure-relieving core that contours to your body.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The free exercise clause prohibits government from regulating, prohibiting or rewarding religious beliefs, according to the Library of Congress.
    Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Before the four-game series with the Dodgers, Vodnik expressed his admiration for Ohtani, but also expressed belief in himself.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Her words about seeing Earth from deep space struck an emotional chord with the audience.
    Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 14 Apr. 2026
  • Despite their questionable politics, something about the Millers’ wholesome, Christian contentment strikes a chord with Rue.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Airplanes and helicopters can provide a more comprehensive view, Miller said, especially across the sprawling coast of Iran.
    Luis Martinez, ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026
  • An aerial view of the area from the KDKA Drone Team showed multiple ladder trucks spraying water on the home, which spread to the adjacent building next door.
    Mike Darnay, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The story is something of a palimpsest, with Romvari’s own perspective intertwining with the character’s and conveying a sense of being both inside and outside the action.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
  • What’s left is a false sense of urgency that will lead to a budget finalized mostly in the dark, with too many decisions made by staffers and lobbyists.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • With the expansion North Texas is seeing, preparing tomorrow's leaders is top of mind for Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker.
    Briseida Holguin, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026
  • Infielder Hyeseong Kim had his mind set before the game.
    Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 18 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sentiment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sentiment. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.

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