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 Walsh and Sherman both recognized Lupino’s superior intellect and resistance to unearned sentimentality. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 25 Sep. 2025 With a season on life support, there is no place for sentimentality. Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 20 Sep. 2025 The heavy-handed sentimentality is a welcome, necessary respite. James Grebey, Time, 12 Sep. 2025 But the Recrafting program isn’t just a matter of sentimentality. Corey Buhay, Outside, 9 Sep. 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 19 Oct. 2025.

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!