sensationalist

American  

[sen-say-shuh-nuhl-ist] / sɛnˈseɪ ʃə nəlˌɪst /

adjective

1. of or relating to subject matter, language, or style intended to provoke strong emotions, especially at the expense of factual accuracy.

2. of or relating to the philosophical doctrine of sensationalism.

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noun

1. a writer or journalist who deliberately designs content to provoke strong emotions, especially at the expense of factual accuracy.

2. a person who follows or advocates for the philosophical doctrine of sensationalism.

Example Sentences

He says it is the “controversial” stuff that tends to get the most views - and compares this to “sensationalist” traditional media.

From BBC

Meieran used to write off some of the more sensationalist legends about Clifton’s, like rumors of a mistress’ remains being scattered in the ballroom.

From Los Angeles Times

The publication became a nationwide hit under a previous owner, Generoso Pope Jr., who took the New York Enquirer, a New York City tabloid, and transformed it into The National Enquirer, a sensationalist supermarket staple.

From Seattle Times

Some former members were initially wary of sitting for interviews, Kennedy said, because “everybody was aware that there was a way to tell this story that’s pretty sensationalist.”

From Los Angeles Times

“These three artists are developing new languages to speak about this phenomenon; they don’t show faces or carry a sensationalist focus on trauma.”

From New York Times