sentimental

adjective

ˌsen-tə-ˈmen-tᵊl How to pronounce sentimental (audio)
Definition of sentimentalnext
as in sloppy
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 Keep sentimental items, practical basics, and timeless staples like well-fitting jeans, blazers, and versatile shoes. — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Aug. 2026 Those in the know noticed an especially sentimental aspect to her appearance this weekend, as the Princess wore jewelry that nodded to those dearest to her heart. — Stephanie Bridger-Linning, Vanity Fair, 2 Aug. 2026 Read on to discover the sweet and sentimental stories behind celebrity couples’ matching tattoos. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 1 Aug. 2026 Steve and Janet Alfinito may be sticking with their sentimental favorite and not venturing across the street. — Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for sentimental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sentimental
  1. sloppy
  2. sticky
  3. mawkish
  4. schmaltzy
  5. maudlin
  6. sappy
  7. saccharine
  8. fuzzy
Adjective
  • With a pointed collar and button cuffs, flannels look more put-together than sloppy sweatshirts, all while staying comfy and relaxed.
    — Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026
  • That screwed up the works / And not due to his sloppy hiring / Of a crew of incompetent jerks.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of sloppy
Adjective
  • Use apple cider vinegar traps or sticky traps to catch adult gnats, and inspect plants before bringing them indoors.
    — Leah Chester-Davis, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Rising gas prices, sticky inflation and rising unemployment in the Black community threaten many small businesses that serve Black consumers.
    — Frank Holland, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of sticky
Adjective
  • Its direction is stodgy and unimpressive, and its screenplay stilted and mawkish.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 3 July 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
  • This perfume combines the quintessential summer fruit with tonka bean, florals, plum nectar, and apple blossom for a truly memorable, sweet but not overly saccharine finish.
    — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Overdo it, and your recipe becomes too saccharine.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 22 June 2026
Definition of saccharine
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, the fuzzy nanofiber coating adheres to much smaller particles, which would normally pass through conventional filters.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 5 Aug. 2026
  • But the timing and temperatures are still fuzzy, and highs could reach the low 90s again by Sunday, the weather service said.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of fuzzy

Browse Nearby Words

sentiment
sentimental
sentimentalism
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Cite this Entry

“Sentimental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sentimental. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of sentimental for Spanish Speakers

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