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 That’s a nice sentiment, but can Dev actually be trusted? Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 29 May 2026 McCartney has endured plenty of loss – his mother at 14, Lennon, Harrison and his wife, Linda – so the sentiments feel earned. Stuart Miller, Oc Register, 29 May 2026 The sentiment was echoed by others eager to see the revival succeed. Charlotte Observer, 29 May 2026 Keep an eye on analyst sentiment as well. Schaeffer's Investment Research, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for sentiment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sentiment
Noun
  • There is also an important distinction between jealousy and envy, two emotions often used interchangeably but fundamentally different.
    Meehika Barua, Time, 29 May 2026
  • Over time, Strider has trained himself to separate the event from the emotion attached to it.
    Elise Devlin, New York Times, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • Nationwide poll on interest in the World Cup and opinions on related issues.
    Washington Post staff, Washington Post, 2 June 2026
  • Barca’s official salary limit fluctuated during the 2025-26 season, amid differences of opinion between La Liga and the club over that December 2024 sale of future revenues from VIP seats at the Camp Nou.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • People there described feelings of anguish and uncertainty in recent interviews.
    Alayna Treene, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
  • Do not allow someone else to manipulate your feelings.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • When the Red Sox made the playoffs last year the belief was the club had finally taken the next step back toward sustained success and that their five-year rebuild was over.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026
  • The Royals still have belief in Erceg to close games.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • Despite the analogous finals matchup, some components of modern life in 2026 may look unfamiliar to the time traveler, while other scenes may strike a similar chord.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 June 2026
  • This section strikes a chord with multi-generational travelers for its numerous suites and connecting room categories, many overlooking the section’s own pools.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • The food and drink The open-air terrace restaurant Koh Thai Kitchen serves up sea views alongside what is unquestionably the best breakfast on the island.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
  • President of Finland Alexander Stubb is seen during a joint press conference with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda (not in view) at the Presidential Palace.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • Strategic shakeup Usually buying and selling is a cop out, but with where the Red Sox are in their competitive cycle the approach might make some sense.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026
  • Goins said the turnout Saturday reflected a sense of unity and hoped the protest would serve as a path forward for change and empowering communities of color, especially.
    Molly Gibbs, Mercury News, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • However, bright, clever ideas also might spring up in your mind.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 30 May 2026
  • With this in mind, researchers ran some simulations to explore how all that jostling for position might have affected the moons of Jupiter and Uranus in particular — and the results suggest that these two planets' moons only survived that tumultuous time because of a giant planet that didn't.
    Kiona N. Smith, Space.com, 29 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sentiment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sentiment. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

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