as in sentimentalism
the state or quality of having an excess of tender feelings (as of love, nostalgia, or compassion) the sentimentality of the story of star-crossed lovers only made it even more popular with moviegoers

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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 sentimentality Instead, Kallenbach felt inspired to create her own moments of sentimentality. Olivia Lee, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2025 Whether for its romantic or vintage charm, the creator's boyfriend's gift has pointed to the sentimentality of antique shopping. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025 Veering from the earnest sentimentality of its action-thriller predecessor, O’Connor’s leans into a more comedic register. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Mar. 2025 Avoiding sentimentality, Ross crafts a poetic, unflinching experience that captures both historical reality and the weight of trauma. Okla Jones, Essence, 18 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sentimentality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sentimentality
Noun
  • The moment when Sean soothes Laszlo’s fears of losing his best human buddy by telling him that the fear of dying just makes every living moment more special — something else a centuries-old vampire wouldn’t understand — tiptoes right up to the edge of sentimentalism.
    Katie Rife, Vulture, 19 Nov. 2024
  • King’s honeyed voiceover begins the film with a kind of sentimentalism about childhood and its innocence.
    Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 4 July 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Sentimentality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sentimentality. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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