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 But the Recrafting program isn’t just a matter of sentimentality. Corey Buhay, Outside, 9 Sep. 2025 Practically the only star who could handle this awkward blend of sincerity and sentimentality was Robin Williams, and rarely has a film premise seemed better suited to his skills. Peter Debruge, Variety, 7 Sep. 2025 There's a time to think like a minimalist, and a time to let sentimentality win. Tessa Cooper, Southern Living, 19 Aug. 2025 The result, combined with vocal chops and a fondness for irony over sentimentality, merged yuppie rock fans, aging punk-rockers, Nashville regulars, and Tonight show viewers (where lang has appeared several times) into one of the broadest possible pop audiences. EW.com, 13 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sentimentality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sentimentality
sentimentalism
Noun
  • 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
  • While leaders of the nature-study movement warned against sentimentalism and make-believe, young readers were delighted by such tales.
    Jessica George, JSTOR Daily, 25 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sentimentality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sentimentality. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

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