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 Hundreds of South African garment workers have staged walkouts to protest the mass firing of co-workers from neighboring countries like Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, warning that rising anti-immigrant sentiment could jeopardize the livelihoods of both locals and migrants. Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 18 June 2026 That was one of the sentiments that emerged from a salon dinner discussion held Tuesday evening in Beverly Hills with about 20 senior industry insiders. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 18 June 2026 That sentiment runs deeper than the film‘s title, underpinning much of McKendrick’s work. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 18 June 2026 The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment reading dropped to a record low in May as Americans expressed pessimism over rising costs. Ty Roush, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sentiment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sentiment
Noun
  • Calmus said the uncertainty and emotions that come with having a newborn in intensive care can be difficult to navigate.
    Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 20 June 2026
  • Clinical psychologists Hillary Halpern and Maureen Perry-Jenkins documented that the transition from single life to fatherhood is often accompanied by a roller coaster of emotions.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • Which apparently disqualifies them from having an opinion about a movie or casting decision.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026
  • Aquarius January 20 – February 18 When opinions clash, lead with practical care.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • Butts said locals were already proud of what the city has become, but the World Cup has put the celebratory feelings over the top.
    Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
  • It’s been 28 years since their last appearance, but the older fans remember the feeling of heady optimism, an occasional tease of excitement and then crushing disappointment.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • Contrary to popular belief, the central bank has little influence over home loan rates.
    Rachel Barber, USA Today, 21 June 2026
  • Most people who hold luxury beliefs are sincere.
    Rob Henderson, Washington Post, 21 June 2026
Noun
  • Lululemon’s ad campaign strikes the wrong chord Activewear brand Lululemon sparked an online uproar in China after a promotional event held on the Great Wall appeared to mistakenly feature a Japanese drum.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 17 June 2026
  • The project is said to have struck a chord with Cher and Cowne as a fun way to highlight species preservation.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • Chuck Jacobs, Kohelet congregation president CBS Although much different from our first visit back in February, the view from Kohelet, which backs up to what's left of the apartment complex, is still a reminder of the largest fire in Denver in three decades.
    Chierstin Roth, CBS News, 18 June 2026
  • The video series, which pairs actors in conversation with one another to discuss the top contenders of awards season, amassed an additional 80 million views from the previous season, reaching a total of 178 million views across all platforms.
    Variety Staff, Variety, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • Cancer season shifts your focus towards nurturing a felt sense of security.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 21 June 2026
  • Starmer has vowed to fight any leadership contest, deepening the sense of crisis within the Labour Party.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • Regardless, not every player is drafted with stardom in mind.
    Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 June 2026
  • The Virgo moon offers opportunities to share what’s on your mind with others.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 20 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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