sensationalism

American  

[sen-sey-shuh-nl-iz-uhm] / sɛnˈseɪ ʃə nlˌɪz əm /

noun

1. subject matter, language, or style producing or designed to produce startling or thrilling impressions or to excite and please vulgar taste.

2. the use of or interest in this subject matter, language, or style.

   The cheap tabloids relied on sensationalism to increase their circulation.

3. Philosophy.

   1. the doctrine that the good is to be judged only by the gratification of the senses.

   2. the doctrine that all ideas are derived from and are essentially reducible to sensations.

4. Psychology. sensationism.

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sensationalism British  

/ sɛnˈseɪʃənəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. the use of sensational language, etc, to arouse an intense emotional response

2. such sensational matter itself

3. Also called: sensualism.  philosophy

   1. the doctrine that knowledge cannot go beyond the analysis of experience

   2. ethics the doctrine that the ability to gratify the senses is the only criterion of goodness

4. psychol the theory that all experience and mental life may be explained in terms of sensations and remembered images

5. aesthetics the theory of the beauty of sensuality in the arts

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Other Word Forms

• nonsensationalistic adjective
• sensationalist noun
• sensationalistic adjective

Etymology

Origin of sensationalism

First recorded in 1840–50; sensational + -ism

Explanation

Telling a story in an overblown, exaggerated way to make it seem more exciting is sensationalism. Trustworthy newspapers avoid sensationalism, instead sticking to the facts. If you write a story for the school paper with the headline "Aliens Suspected in Graffiti Incident," your editor will probably accuse you of sensationalism. Sacrificing accuracy for drama may get you readers, but your sensationalism means they can't trust the stories you write. In philosophy, on the other hand, this word is used for the belief that true knowledge is based solely on what you perceive through your senses.

Example Sentences

Algorithms amplify content based on engagement -- and engagement is often driven by sensationalism, outrage and misinformation.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

Brundage, like many at the time, chose sensationalism to stimulate sales.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

It’s angering, and rightfully so, but watching three young children grapple with the realization that their mother is gone backs “The Perfect Neighbor” right up to the line of rubbernecking sensationalism.

From Salon • Oct. 21, 2025

Weegee-style tabloid sensationalism in recording heinous crime likewise vanished.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 22, 2025

“I saw some government people on TV saying it’s just exaggeration and sensationalism and what and what… you know them and their big words!”

From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo