as in to exaggerate
disapproving
to describe or show something in a way that makes it seem more shocking than it really is
Journalists should report the news accurately without trying to sensationalize it.
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Recent Examples of sensationalize
Hearst was a political influencer and pioneer of yellow journalism—dishonest and sensationalized reporting, which some historians believe contributed to the Spanish-American War of 1898.
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Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Jan. 2025
Rowland was arrested, but after a local newspaper sensationalized the story, a mob of white Tulsans gathered outside the courthouse and demanded a lynching.
—Cheyanne M. Daniels, The Hill, 10 Jan. 2025
The premise, intended to be an offbeat crime comedy with musical elements, has faced backlash for trivializing and sensationalizing transgender experiences.
—Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
As a woman of taste who grew up watching soap operas with my mother, Mia’s toolbox is embarrassingly transparent: Find every opportunity to sensationalize the conflict at any expense.
—Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sensationalize 
Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Jan. 2025
Rowland was arrested, but after a local newspaper sensationalized the story, a mob of white Tulsans gathered outside the courthouse and demanded a lynching.
—Cheyanne M. Daniels, The Hill, 10 Jan. 2025
The premise, intended to be an offbeat crime comedy with musical elements, has faced backlash for trivializing and sensationalizing transgender experiences.
—Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
As a woman of taste who grew up watching soap operas with my mother, Mia’s toolbox is embarrassingly transparent: Find every opportunity to sensationalize the conflict at any expense.
—Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sensationalize
Thesaurus Entries Near sensationalize
Cite this Entry
“Sensationalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensationalize. Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.
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