Synonyms of sentimentality

sentimentality

noun

ˌsen-tə-ˌmen-ˈta-lə-tē 

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

• sentimentalism
• emotion
• mawkishness
• bathos
• sappiness
• soppiness
• syrup
• sloppiness
• mushiness
• sentiment
• gooeyness
• saccharinity
• mush
• lovey-doveyness
• schmaltz
• corniness
• corn
• hokeyness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• cynicism
• hardheadedness
• hard-heartedness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of sentimentality

There’s a time to think like a minimalist, and a time to let sentimentality win. — Tessa Cooper, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2026

The difficulty lies in discerning exactly what should hold onto—whether out of practicality or sentimentality—and what can be confidently tossed. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 31 July 2026

Drai describes the challenge as knowing what deserves protection and where sentimentality becomes a liability. — Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

In off-duty moments and more relaxed public appearances, these smaller pieces revealed warmth, youthfulness, and sentimentality. — Eloise Moran, InStyle, 14 July 2026