sensationalism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal to neutral, often critical or analytical.
Quick answer
What does “sensationalism” mean?
The presentation of information in a deliberately shocking, exciting, or emotional way, especially in journalism or media, to attract attention rather than to provide accurate or serious reporting.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The presentation of information in a deliberately shocking, exciting, or emotional way, especially in journalism or media, to attract attention rather than to provide accurate or serious reporting.
1. (Philosophy/Ethics) The doctrine that all knowledge originates in sensory experience (empiricism). 2. The use or effect of sensational subject matter or style in art, literature, etc.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. 'Tabloid journalism' is a more common British synonym for the practice.
Connotations
Equally negative in both varieties when referring to media.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British media criticism, likely due to the strong tradition of tabloid press.
Grammar
How to Use “sensationalism” in a Sentence
[verb] + sensationalism (e.g., practise, promote, avoid)sensationalism + [preposition] + [noun] (e.g., sensationalism in the media, sensationalism over the trial)adjective + sensationalism (e.g., blatant, cheap, journalistic sensationalism)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sensationalism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The press were accused of sensationalising the health scare.
American English
- Critics said the network sensationalized the crime report.
adverb
British English
- The story was sensationalistically portrayed in the tabloids.
American English
- The event was covered sensationalistically by most outlets.
adjective
British English
- It was a sensationalist headline designed to sell papers.
American English
- The documentary was criticized for its sensationalist approach.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used, except in media/PR industries to criticise competitors' tactics.
Academic
Used in media studies, sociology, and philosophy (different senses).
Everyday
Used when criticising news, TV shows, or social media content for being overly dramatic.
Technical
In philosophy, a precise term related to empiricism and theory of perception.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sensationalism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sensationalism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sensationalism”
- Using 'sensationalism' to mean 'something that causes a sensation' in a positive way (e.g., 'The scientific discovery was a sensationalism'). Incorrect. Use 'sensation'.
- Confusing 'sensationalism' (practice) with 'sensational' (adjective describing something exciting).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In modern usage regarding media, it is almost always a criticism. However, in philosophy, it is a neutral technical term for a theory of knowledge.
'Sensational' is an adjective meaning extremely good or exciting (or causing a sensation). 'Sensationalism' is a noun for the practice of being sensational in a deliberate, often manipulative way.
Yes. If a documentary exaggerates dangers, uses overly dramatic music and editing, or presents speculation as fact to provoke a strong emotional response, it can be accused of sensationalism.
Yes, clickbait headlines are a direct, digital application of sensationalism, using shocking or misleading phrases to generate online clicks.
The presentation of information in a deliberately shocking, exciting, or emotional way, especially in journalism or media, to attract attention rather than to provide accurate or serious reporting.
Sensationalism is usually formal to neutral, often critical or analytical. in register.
Sensationalism: in British English it is pronounced /sɛnˈseɪʃ(ə)nəˌlɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /sɛnˈseɪʃənəˌlɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “'A race to the bottom' (describes competitive sensationalism).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SENSATION-al headline that causes a sensation but lacks real substance—that's sensationalism.
Conceptual Metaphor
NEWS/TRUTH IS A COMMODITY (packaged and sold via shock value).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'sensationalism' likely to be used NEUTRALLY or technically?