sensationalism

noun

sen·​sa·​tion·​al·​ism sen-ˈsā-sh(ə-)nə-ˌli-zəm 

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 

adjective or noun

sensationalistic

sen-ˌsā-sh(ə-)nə-ˈli-stik 

adjective

Examples of sensationalism in a Sentence

The network was accused of sensationalism in its reporting.

Recent Examples on the Web

Over the course of seven episodes, which all drop on Netflix at once on June 18, 2025, the show will hopefully continue to prioritize the emotional journeys of the cheerleaders and internal conflicts over sensationalism. —Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025

Wilson and writer Ben Greenman lay the story out simply and with limited sensationalism, including fascinating sections where Wilson recounts his creative process and the work behind so many classic songs. —Brian Wilson, Vulture, 11 June 2025

After being first embedded with federal agents in the Boston area, days after President Trump retook office in January, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu accused Fox News and the Trump administration of sensationalism. —Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 30 May 2025

But this portrait of the unseen labor that fuels the world’s consumerism is also intensely watchable — like reality television, but without the sensationalism or manipulation. —Devika Girish, New York Times, 2 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sensationalism

• absolutism
• adventurism
• aestheticism
• africanism
• agnosticism
• alcoholism
• anabolism
• anachronism
• anglicanism
• antagonism
• arianism
• asceticism