sensationalism

noun

sen·​sa·​tion·​al·​ism sen-ˈsā-sh(ə-)nə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce sensationalism (audio)
1
: empiricism that limits experience as a source of knowledge to sensation or sense perceptions
2
: the use or effect of sensational subject matter or treatment
sensationalist
sen-ˈsā-sh(ə-)nə-list How to pronounce sensationalism (audio)
adjective or noun
sensationalistic
sen-ˌsā-sh(ə-)nə-ˈli-stik How to pronounce sensationalism (audio)
adjective

Examples of sensationalism in a Sentence

The network was accused of sensationalism in its reporting.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Then, as so often happens, pseudoscience supplemented sensationalism. — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026 His father was a distinguished public radio broadcaster, and so Ruben knew how to deliver breaking news without sensationalism or embellishment. — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026 America’s penny press transformed journalism in the 1830s, using hoaxes, sensationalism, and mass circulation to create a blueprint for modern media. — Big Think, 4 Aug. 2026 What is your response to people calling true-crime shows like this sensationalism? — Beatrice Verhoeven, HollywoodReporter, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sensationalism

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sensationalism was in 1846

Rhymes for sensationalism

See All Rhymes for sensationalism

Browse Nearby Words

sensationalise
sensationalism
sensationalist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sensationalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensationalism. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sensationalism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sensationalism

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