sentimentality

noun

sen·​ti·​men·​tal·​i·​ty ˌsen-tə-ˌmen-ˈta-lə-tē 

-mən-

plural sentimentalities

1

: the quality or state of being sentimental especially to excess or in affectation

2

: a sentimental idea or its expression

Synonyms

• bathos
• gooeyness
• lovey-doveyness
• mawkishness
• mush
• mushiness
• saccharinity
• sappiness
• sentimentalism
• sloppiness
• soppiness
• syrup
• sirup

Examples of sentimentality in a Sentence

the sentimentality of Romantic poetry

the sentimentality of the story of star-crossed lovers only made it even more popular with moviegoers

Recent Examples on the Web

In its poise, its interiority and conviction, its lack of sentimentality or overstatement, her singing seemed to press the reset button on any standard expectations of a pop star. —Giovanni Russonello, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025

Hart despises him and his blundering height, despises the hokey sentimentality of Oklahoma! —Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 18 Feb. 2025

His fourth feature unfolds with the warm glow of a memory piece but none of the gooey sentimentality. —Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Feb. 2025

After all, what’s more loaded with domestic sentimentality than a cup? —Morgan Meier, Curbed, 12 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sentimentality

• bisexuality
• collegiality
• conditionality
• congeniality
• conventionality
• conviviality
• dimensionality
• directionality
• emotionality
• essentiality
• eventuality
• grammaticality

Kids Definition

sentimentality

noun

sen·​ti·​men·​tal·​i·​ty ˌsent-ə-ˌmen-ˈtal-ət-ē 

-mən-

plural sentimentalities

1

: the quality or state of being sentimental and especially overly sentimental

2

: a sentimental idea or its expression