Synonym Chooser

How is the word sentiment distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of sentiment are affection, emotion, feeling, and passion. While all these words mean "a subjective response to a person, thing, or situation," sentiment often implies an emotion inspired by an idea.

her feminist sentiments are well known

In what contexts can affection take the place of sentiment?

The synonyms affection and sentiment are sometimes interchangeable, but affection applies to feelings that are also inclinations or likings.

a memoir of childhood filled with affection for her family

How do emotion and feeling relate to one another, in the sense of sentiment?

Emotion carries a strong implication of excitement or agitation but, like feeling, encompasses both positive and negative responses.

the drama portrays the emotions of adolescence

When could feeling be used to replace sentiment?

The words feeling and sentiment are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, feeling denotes any partly mental, partly physical response marked by pleasure, pain, attraction, or repulsion; it may suggest the mere existence of a response but imply nothing about the nature or intensity of it.

the feelings that once moved me are gone

When can passion be used instead of sentiment?

The meanings of passion and sentiment largely overlap; however, passion suggests a very powerful or controlling emotion.

revenge became his ruling passion

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sentiment Still, growing anti-fluoride sentiments in some communities echo concerns that have circulated since the practice became widespread. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025 What began as an informal celebration has become a nationwide call to action, influencing public sentiment and lawmakers alike. Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2025 The Role of Public Opinion and Regulation around AI Public sentiment plays a significant role in navigating these challenges. Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025 Throughout the 19th century, this sentiment shaped US policy, though not exclusively. Andrew Latham, JSTOR Daily, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sentiment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sentiment
Noun
  • Internal Anger Anger is an unpleasant emotion that is often considered not socially acceptable to express.
    Wendy Wisner, Health, 30 Mar. 2025
  • This method eliminates reactive emotions, allows for clearer self-expression and encourages both partners to process their thoughts and feelings before responding.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The movie's coming out, and everybody's free to make their own decisions on their opinion of me and the movie.
    Mike Miller, EW.com, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Thomas’ favorite parts about leading tours are meeting different kinds of people and watching anyone with a negative or preconceived notion about certain parts of Chicago change their opinion over the course of a tour.
    Shanzeh Ahmad, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Such is the case for the high school seniors in Booksmart, who have convened for a party in which a karaoke room provides an outlet for channeling their feelings.
    EW Staff Published, EW.com, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Hurd describes the feeling of capturing a strong photo… only to notice that the gymnast’s foot is slightly flexed.
    Caroline Price, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The belief in twin flames has been around for centuries, since ancient Greece at least.
    Christina Pérez, Vogue, 29 Mar. 2025
  • The secular mindset that emerged from the Enlightenment — the belief that religion would fade while science delivered heaven on earth — has failed.
    Mike Woodruff, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Clinton said Neistat’s investigation had immediately struck a chord with the HiddenLight team.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Yet his straightforward, practical approach struck a chord.
    Melody Wilding, LMSW, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In such a world view, American money should support Americans—leaving other countries to their own devices.
    Justin Worland/Bridgetown, TIME, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The video closes with the package delivery confirmation photo Agati received from the driver, which features a beaming Frank standing beside the box The precious clip now has over 13.9 million views on TikTok and has inspired thousands of comments.
    Kelli Bender, People.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Harrison, too, expressed a sense that the odds were stacked against her, and getting worse all the time.
    Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Named for Joséphine Bonaparte, the first wife of Napoleon, who was known for her sophisticated sense of fashion and patronage of the arts, this first-floor suite has a king-size bed, a separate dressing room, and a living area perfect for lounging around.
    Meredith Lepore, Travel + Leisure, 29 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Keep in mind that power lines that are laying on the ground may be live.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • If the issue isn’t fully resolved, take a break and return to it later with a clearer mind.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sentiment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sentiment. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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