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 Some public health experts argue that scrutiny around mRNA technology is an extension of anti-vaccine sentiments in politics. Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025 Supply-chain disruptions driven by the trade war, labor shortages caused by deportations, and overall policy uncertainty are hurting business and consumer sentiment, leading to lower spending, lower growth, and lower interest rates. Edward Fishman, Foreign Affairs, 8 Apr. 2025 Even Senior Advisor to the President, Elon Musk has expressed sentiments on free trade (with Europe) that deviate from the direction of the administration. Charles Singh, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025 Sun and Moon conjunctions can indicate soulmate energy The Sun is the ego, and the moon is our sentiments. Lisa Stardust, People.com, 29 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sentiment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sentiment
Noun
  • More than fifty years ago, any semi-sentient being could recognize the dangers of forcing minors to work gruelling hours performing emotions for the delectation of large and unseen audiences, long before their brains had finished developing.
    Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Yeah, there was a lot of conversation beforehand about what each moment meant and how to find the comedy and emotion in each moment.
    Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In Weill’s opinion, composers educated in the classical tradition had lost touch with the broader public and sunk into obscurantism.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Comments on opinion articles may be emailed to letters@nytimes.com.
    New York Times, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Their music taught me how to put lyrics to the feeling of love.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
  • There was a feeling that the country was coming out of a massive crisis and that global institutions had a responsibility to help rebuild the country, strengthen its healthcare system, and make sure an outbreak like this could never happen again.
    The Dial, The Dial, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • As algorithms and politics herd us into narrower and narrower silos, the pressure increases on artists (as well as comedians, actors, and even brands) to mirror their fans’ core beliefs.
    Ryan Miller, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Their belief in this project means the world to me.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • That included Parler, which aimed to strike a chord with conservative viewpoints, but then-former-President Donald Trump launched Truth Social.
    Peter Suciu, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Nash’s honesty struck a chord, shedding light on how urban culture provided a foundation for his creativity on the court.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • True to its name, the property has two types of bungalows, waterfront or garden, that come with outdoor soaking tubs that offer views of the ocean or lush tropical plants.
    Cynthia J Drake, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Ideally, in my view, any changes to Social Security should also help constrain the future growth of federal spending, given the current and projected growth in the budget deficit.
    Dennis W. Jansen, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • That has always been part of the Trumpist package of maybe not ideas in the sense of grand philosophies but certainly cultural ideas.
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2025
  • His sharp sense of storytelling and visionary approach to content has consistently set him apart as a true leader.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Price upon publish date of this article: $780 What to Look for in a Crossbody Phone Bag Special features: When shopping for a crossbody phone bag, there are a few key features to keep in mind.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The more Tropper thought about it, the more one actor appeared in his mind for Coop: Jon Hamm.
    Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sentiment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sentiment. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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