sensationalize

verb

sen·​sa·​tion·​al·​ize sen-ˈsā-sh(ə-)nə-ˌlīz How to pronounce sensationalize (audio)
sensationalized; sensationalizing

transitive verb

: to present in a sensational manner

Examples of sensationalize in a Sentence

Journalists should report the news accurately without trying to sensationalize it.
Recent Examples on the Web The media turned the brothers into monsters and sensationalized eye candy — two arrogant, rich kids from Beverly Hills who killed their parents out of greed. Kim Kardashian, NBC News, 3 Oct. 2024 Certainly, Hasina’s fall provided room for a spate of attacks on police and minorities, though analysts say the scale of bloodletting has been sensationalized. Charlie Campbell, TIME, 3 Oct. 2024 An effective communications plan considers the following: Connect with the family in a timely, sensitive, and empathetic manner Abide by safe reporting on suicide and recovery-friendly language to avoid sensationalizing. National Alliance On Mental Illness Of New York City (nami-Nyc), Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024 The resulting account cast doubt on what had been the accepted and sensationalized version of the tale. Richard Ruelas, The Arizona Republic, 17 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for sensationalize 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sensationalize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sensationalize was in 1863

Dictionary Entries Near sensationalize

Cite this Entry

“Sensationalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensationalize. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on sensationalize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!