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

Many in the community felt that Hoback prioritized sensationalism rather than conducting thorough research, turning what could have been an insightful exploration into a speculative thriller. —Vinamrata Chaturvedi, Quartz, 23 Oct. 2024

Late Night With the Devil (2023) The most recent film on this list flashes back to the same era of media sensationalism savaged by the earliest. —A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 30 July 2024

Even in the face of a horrific shark attack, Rescue HI-Surf resists sensationalism. —Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Sep. 2024

Her journey paints an empathetic portrait of people living on the margins, with director Sean Baker giving them agency, depth and humanity, all while avoiding sensationalism or exploitation. —Travis Bean, Forbes, 14 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1