as in to exaggerate
disapproving
to describe or show something in a way that makes it seem more shocking than it really is
Journalists should report the news accurately without trying to sensationalize it.
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Recent Examples of sensationalize
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
Burgess generally thinks the trend is harmless, as long as the programs don’t romanticize or sensationalize the killers.
—Olivia B. Waxman, TIME, 11 July 2024
Like Cruise, Pitt’s love life is often sensationalized.
—Danny Horn, EW.com, 30 June 2024
The series avoids the reality dating show convention of seemingly forced or sensationalized conflict.
—Gary Goldstein, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for sensationalize 
Richard Ruelas, The Arizona Republic, 17 July 2024
Burgess generally thinks the trend is harmless, as long as the programs don’t romanticize or sensationalize the killers.
—Olivia B. Waxman, TIME, 11 July 2024
Like Cruise, Pitt’s love life is often sensationalized.
—Danny Horn, EW.com, 30 June 2024
The series avoids the reality dating show convention of seemingly forced or sensationalized conflict.
—Gary Goldstein, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for sensationalize
Thesaurus Entries Near sensationalize
Cite this Entry
“Sensationalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensationalize. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
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