Definition of sentimentalitynext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 sentimentality Taurus’s affinity with sentimentality and enduring love will draw them to this magical story that transcends lifetimes and generations for these soulmates to unite. Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026 Newton returned to Carolina in 2021 for eight games, a moment of remarkable sentimentality and splendor. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 7 Jan. 2026 After an offseason designed to get in better shape, Kelce turned his age-36 season into more than sentimentality. Kansas City Star, 5 Jan. 2026 Smart and sweeping in scope, The Lost City of Z is an absorbing epic about persistence and hope without resorting to cheap sentimentality. Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sentimentality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sentimentality
sentimentalism
Noun
  • The Academy historically goes for sentimentalism.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 4 Oct. 2025
  • McBride is less interested in exploring another motivation for saving locks of hair: the particular sentimentalism that made people cherish the hair of loved ones, especially those who had died, or of honored forebears.
    Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 21 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sentimentality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sentimentality. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on sentimentality

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!