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 Critically lauded, the record wades into global politics and presents Bey’s Pan-Islamic sentiments by incorporating elements of Middle Eastern music. David Harris, SPIN, 19 Aug. 2026 Betsy Owens, executive director of Friends of Casa Feliz and one of the people DeCiccio wanted at that meeting, was also surprised to learn of the sale from the Sentinel and echoed Morgan’s sentiments on Merrywood’s future. Brian Bell, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026 But that sentiment has flipped, and the shares are struggling. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026 The trio faces an uphill battle given the anti-socialism sentiment in South Florida, which has a large population of immigrants who fled communist and socialist Latin American governments such as the Castro regime in Cuba. Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sentiment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sentiment
Noun
  • Graphic autopsy photos shown in court Before McDonald brought emotion to the witness stand, the day began with some testimony that appeared excruciating for the Shakur family.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Heavy Metal earned raves for its unruly combination of intimate songwriting, feverish emotion and left-field ambition, and the Carnegie Hall performance put that material in a setting almost comically grand enough to match its scale.
    SPIN Staff, SPIN, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The Democrat-Gazette is the largest source for award-winning news and opinion in Arkansas.
    Sarah Riffle, Washington Post, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The debate, hosted at The Sacramento Bee, was moderated by opinion columnist Tom Philp, political reporter Mathew Miranda and Marcos Bretón, director of community outreach and opinion journalism.
    Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • There’s a small kitchenette and landing with a dining table, nice for a morning coffee or simply the feeling of having a little more space.
    Megan Rose Murray, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Featuring appearances from Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, Ye, YG, Black Thought, Larry June and others, the album also finds Game seemingly airing out some long-simmering feelings about none other than Kendrick Lamar.
    Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The profile of investors in English football clearly echoes that belief.
    Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • This belief is vital for a student to do well in college and the rest of their life.
    Mary Frances Ruskell, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • But the photos also struck a chord as a defiant spin on assumptions and expectations for women at 60.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • There are moments when Ocean’s voice feels almost naked against a few chords.
    Desjah Altvater, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Gifting bird's-eye views of London from 138 feet above the River Thames, this permanent feature debuted in 2014 as one of the most unique vantage points in the city.
    Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Ultimately, Ogunyemi's view of leadership depends on a willingness to tolerate uncertainty.
    Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The Voyager starts to make more sense when the bike also needs to handle groceries, school gear, or part of the morning drop-off routine.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 Aug. 2026
  • For communities facing population loss, an aging workforce, or struggling to retain young professionals and skilled workers, attracting new residents can make economic sense.
    Meggen Harris, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Monaco and Horodyshche, Ukraine — When the blast went off, Vadym Yermolaiev’s mind went blank.
    Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Where the claims fall short The gap between a viral claim and a lifelong habit is exactly what White wants people to keep in mind.
    Olivia LaBorde, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sentiment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sentiment. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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