sentimentality
noun
sen·ti·men·tal·i·ty
ˌsen-tə-ˌmen-ˈta-lə-tē 
-mən-
plural sentimentalities
1
: the quality or state of being sentimental especially to excess or in affectation
2
: a sentimental idea or its expression
Examples of sentimentality in a Sentence
the sentimentality of Romantic poetry
the sentimentality of the story of star-crossed lovers only made it even more popular with moviegoers
Recent Examples on the Web
The Academy did not specifically name Ballal in a statement condemning violence.
overnights Yesterday at 9:30 p.m.
RuPaul’s Drag Race Recap: Mom and Pop Drag Race’s penchant for sentimentality ends up making for an entertaining and memorable episode.
—
Joe Reid, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2025
That would better satisfy the yearning for sentimentality that director John Rando relies on.
—Karen D'souza, The Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2025
When Laura’s ex-boyfriend Bobby (Dana Ashbrook), who’s now a cop, sees Laura’s prom picture for the first time in years, he’s immediately moved to tears—a flash of that distinctly Lynchian soaring sentimentality, the kind that can feel unnerving to watch.
—K. Austin Collins, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2025
Gone are the days of sending flowers and jewelry; today’s unique anniversary gifts for him and her focus on personal touches and sentimentality.
—Jené Luciani Sena, Fox News, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sentimentality
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Joe Reid, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2025
That would better satisfy the yearning for sentimentality that director John Rando relies on.
—Karen D'souza, The Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2025
When Laura’s ex-boyfriend Bobby (Dana Ashbrook), who’s now a cop, sees Laura’s prom picture for the first time in years, he’s immediately moved to tears—a flash of that distinctly Lynchian soaring sentimentality, the kind that can feel unnerving to watch.
—K. Austin Collins, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2025
Gone are the days of sending flowers and jewelry; today’s unique anniversary gifts for him and her focus on personal touches and sentimentality.
—Jené Luciani Sena, Fox News, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sentimentality
Cite this Entry
“Sentimentality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sentimentality. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sentimentality
noun
sen·ti·men·tal·i·ty
ˌsent-ə-ˌmen-ˈtal-ət-ē
-mən-
plural sentimentalities
1
: the quality or state of being sentimental and especially overly sentimental
2
: a sentimental idea or its expression
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