sensationalism

[ sen-sey-shuh-nl-iz-uhm ]

/ sɛnˈseɪ ʃə nlˌɪz əm /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for: sensationalism / sensationalistic on Thesaurus.com

noun

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

the use of or interest in this subject matter, language, or style: The cheap tabloids relied on sensationalism to increase their circulation.

Philosophy.

the doctrine that the good is to be judged only by the gratification of the senses.
the doctrine that all ideas are derived from and are essentially reducible to sensations.

Psychology. sensationism.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of sensationalism

First recorded in 1840–50; sensational + -ism

OTHER WORDS FROM sensationalism

sen·sa·tion·al·ist, noun, adjectivesen·sa·tion·al·is·tic, adjectivenon·sen·sa·tion·al·is·tic, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use sensationalism in a sentence

I am all for criticizing the press, and demanding that we get more depth to a story than a sensationalistic headline.
I Blame People Who Blame the Media: Robert McCulloch’s Tone-Deaf Speech|Arthur Chu|November 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
They posted sensationalistic stories online, with headlines like “Brainy Ex-Model Suing Google.”
Busting a Cyberstalker: How Carla Franklin Fought Back—and Triumphed|Abigail Pesta|October 12, 2012|DAILY BEAST
They were sensationalistic and vulgar toward DSK, and they were sensationalistic and vulgar toward Anthony Weiner.
No Apologies Over DSK|Peter Beinart|July 5, 2011|DAILY BEAST
What seems surprising to me is not her fame but the sensationalistic aspect of it.
Christine at the 'Frat House'|Rebecca Dana|October 13, 2010|DAILY BEAST

It tends to put the same emphasis upon the external and sensationalistic aspects of human experience.
Preaching and Paganism|Albert Parker Fitch
Even the extreme sensationalistic theory of knowledge which was current derived itself from this conception.
Democracy and Education|John Dewey
There are at least three serious defects of sensationalistic empiricism as an educational philosophy of knowledge.
Democracy and Education|John Dewey
(c) A thoroughly false psychology of mental development underlay sensationalistic empiricism.
Democracy and Education|John Dewey

British Dictionary definitions for sensationalism

sensationalism

/ (sɛnˈseɪʃənəˌlɪzəm) /

noun

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

such sensational matter itself

Also called: sensualism philosophy

the doctrine that knowledge cannot go beyond the analysis of experience
ethics the doctrine that the ability to gratify the senses is the only criterion of goodness

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

aesthetics the theory of the beauty of sensuality in the arts

Also called (for senses 3, 4): sensationism

Derived forms of sensationalism

sensationalist, noun, adjectivesensationalistic, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

sensationalism

Origin of sensationalism

OTHER WORDS FROM sensationalism

Words related to sensationalism

How to use sensationalism in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for sensationalism

Derived forms of sensationalism