sensationalize

verb

sen·​sa·​tion·​al·​ize sen-ˈsā-sh(ə-)nə-ˌlīz 

sensationalized; sensationalizing

transitive verb

: to present in a sensational manner

Examples of sensationalize in a Sentence

Journalists should report the news accurately without trying to sensationalize it.

Recent Examples on the Web

At a moment when sensationalized true-crime documentaries are often the ones that top the trending charts, Garbus knowing where to draw the line is what sets quality apart from quantity in the streaming age. —Hunter Ingram, Variety, 31 Mar. 2025

There are a lot of documentaries that aren’t from the family, that are sensationalized — thankfully the power and the reputation of the movie has superseded all of those things. —Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2025

To that end, her drama resists sensationalizing the Barnetts’ claims, and then rejects them all together. —Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Mar. 2025

Democratic legislators argue the shortfall is being sensationalized. —Stephen Hobbs and, Sacramento Bee, 18 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sensationalize

• contextualize
• industrialize
• materialise
• materialize
• memorialize
• microenterprise
• overemphasize
• particularize
• revolutionise
• revolutionize
• actualize
• antagonize