sentimental

adjective

ˌsen-tə-ˈmen-tᵊl How to pronounce sentimental (audio)
Definition of sentimentalnext
as in sticky
appealing to the emotions in an obvious and tiresome way a sentimental story about unrequited love

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 sentimental Reduce paper and sentimental clutter by digitizing important documents and selectively preserving meaningful keepsakes. — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Aug. 2026 Both my wife and I have been through the loss of our parents and found the following method has worked very well for dividing up sentimental possessions among the many brothers and sisters on both sides of the family. — R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026 Family members sometimes leave jewelry and other sentimental items inside the niches with those remains. — Wpec Staff, Baltimore Sun, 13 Aug. 2026 Cohen created a counter-text, a luscious version of Arendt’s unknown sentimental education. — David Denby, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sentimental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sentimental
  1. sticky
  2. sloppy
  3. mawkish
  4. schmaltzy
  5. maudlin
  6. sappy
  7. saccharine
  8. fuzzy
Adjective
  • And with oil prices showing no sign of returning to pre-Iran war levels this year, pressure is increasing on the Fed to combat that sticky inflation by raising interest rates at its next policy-setting meeting in September.
    — Brian Cheung, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The non-sticky finish adds a subtle shine, and nourishing ingredients like mango seed oil, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid keep lips feeling smooth and hydrated.
    — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of sticky
Adjective
  • There was a celebration of what Daniels can do at any point, which is to cover up inconsistency and sloppy execution by others with his extraordinary talent.
    — Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The Chargers looked sloppy in their 41-17 home loss to the San Francisco 49ers last week, following an inspiring 27-7 road win over the Houston Texans, and now aim for a better on-field product in their final tuneup.
    — Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of sloppy
Adjective
  • Elordi’s performance is a fine one, but any emotional current from the screen to the audience is made choppy by mawkish blasts to the past, Hig at the edge of his bed, head in hands.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The sounds are chintzy and soaked in reverb, like a mawkish ’80s ballad rewritten from memory, and the whole thing slowly falls apart and fades out like an old track by the Field.
    — Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 24 June 2026
Definition of mawkish
Adjective
  • Albini doesn’t dress up those songs with any schmaltzy production or studio tricks.
    — David Harris, SPIN, 11 June 2026
  • In the way that Harrison looks to the Bible for models of relationships and drama, Cappa’s Haha, You Clowns looks to schmaltzy sitcoms and after school specials.
    — James Folta, Literary Hub, 18 Dec. 2025
Definition of schmaltzy
Adjective
  • Except that’s precisely what awards shows are terrible at — those hammy yuk-yuk sketches, or weepy maudlin moments, that struggle to celebrate the industry by interlacing the show with a theatrical insert.
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2026
  • That’s when the movie takes a direction that’s both maudlin in the true sense of the word and ultimately even sanctimonious regarding the heroine’s sudden redemption.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 17 May 2026
Definition of maudlin
Adjective
  • The bicentennial was the moment of nostalgic gluttony that topped them all, with its reenactment of battles, its old-fashioned sailing ships, and its outpouring of sappy patriotic products printed with the magic numerals 76.
    — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
  • The announcement may come as a shock for country fans who have followed the couple through their sappy podcast appearances and gushy acceptance speeches.
    — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2026
Definition of sappy
Adjective
  • At most points in American history, these would have read as pretty anodyne, even saccharine.
    — Bill McKibben, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Salinger, then seventy-six, seemed to think his assessment of his alma mater had been too saccharine.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of saccharine
Adjective
  • Think minimal yet colorful wallpaper, moody color palettes, canopy beds, and most importantly, that warm fuzzy feeling that just keeps bubbling up.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Because the disease cannot be diagnosed in living patients, the relationship between symptoms in life and a diagnosis after death is still fuzzy.
    — Becky Sullivan, NPR, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of fuzzy

Browse Nearby Words

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sentimental
sentimentalism
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Cite this Entry

“Sentimental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sentimental. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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