sensationalism

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'sensationalism' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to denote the practice of using exaggerated language or emphasizing the most extreme aspects of a subject in order to create public interest or excitement. For example: The media has been criticized for its sensationalism in covering the recent scandal.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Chippendale effect of the masked rogue is pure Marmite sensationalism – repelling some, attracting others.

The Guardian - Business

James King writes: "The Mail's editorial model depends on little more than dishonesty, theft of copyrighted material and sensationalism so absurd that it crosses into fabrication".

The Guardian

The comment made all the back pages, as if it had just been handed down from God. Are the headlines about him being near to quitting Scotland true? ‘That’s sensationalism and assumption again, like so much of it.

The Guardian - Film

The lack of sensationalism surrounding disaster risk reduction means articles about it are much less popular than news about topis such as fashion, sport and technology, and are rarely featured in the media.

The Guardian

They were increasing the sensationalism of the news just to shock people".

The Guardian - Film

Shakur discounts the book as "sensationalism, groundless accusations and outright lies".

The Guardian - Books

And for the most part Hollywood is incapable of dealing with even the most heavyweight subjects terrorism included without indulging in a mixture of sensationalism and idiocy.

The Economist

While revelling in the show's sensationalism, the film does a good job of reflecting on how Downey preyed on populist frustrations, much like the Tea Party now, and the myriad firebrand talk shows that proliferated after Downey's demise.

The Economist

And, by granting access to cameras in exchange for promises to curb the worst extremes of shadow trials, they can sometimes (though by no means always) tame the circus of sensationalism that threatens to engulf their work.But, more than this, lawyers and judges can preserve respect for justice by rooting out the anomalies in the law itself.

The Economist

In general, the crowding of the market encourages shallow sensationalism, not consideration and depth.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

A constant theme in Croce's philosophy is that he sought a path between the Scylla of 'transcendentalism' and the Charybdis of 'sensationalism', which for most purposes may be thought of as co-extensive with rationalism and empiricism.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing journalistic integrity, use "sensationalism" to critique media practices that prioritize attracting attention over presenting accurate information.

Common error

Avoid using "sensationalism" when describing merely exciting or dramatic events without the negative connotation of exaggeration or distortion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sensationalism" is as a noun. It typically functions as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, denoting the use of exaggerated or shocking details to provoke public interest. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes behavior or published materials, often in a pejorative way.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sensationalism" functions as a noun to describe the use of exaggerated or shocking details in media and other forms of communication. Ludwig AI confirms that it is often used pejoratively, to critique practices that prioritize excitement over accuracy. While grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science contexts, it is important to be mindful of its negative connotations and avoid overuse in neutral settings. When seeking alternatives, consider "exaggerated reporting" or "yellow journalism" depending on the specific nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sensationalist coverage

Highlights the style with which news stories are told instead of the content.

yellow journalism

Highlights the unethical, unprofessional practices that are proper of "sensationalism".

exploitative journalism

Focuses on the act of using a situation or person for personal gain, often in a harmful way.

tabloidization

Refers to the shift towards sensational and often trivial content, characteristic of tabloid newspapers.

exaggerated reporting

Focuses specifically on the act of making news stories seem more exciting or important than they are.

lurid reporting

Underscores the shocking and sensational nature of the news being presented.

over-dramatization

Emphasizes the act of making something more dramatic than it needs to be.

scaremongering

Highlights the act of spreading alarming rumors or exaggerations to cause public fear.

hype

Implies excessive publicity and promotion, often to create excitement around a product or event.

inflammatory rhetoric

Highlights the use of emotionally charged language designed to provoke a reaction.

FAQs

How to use "sensationalism" in a sentence?

"Sensationalism" is used to criticize the media's use of exaggeration to attract attention. For example, "The report accused the newspaper of sensationalism in its coverage of the trial."

What can I say instead of "sensationalism"?

Alternatives to "sensationalism" include "exaggerated reporting", "yellow journalism", or "hype", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "sensationalism" or "sensationalist reporting"?

Both "sensationalism" and "sensationalist reporting" are correct, but they have slightly different uses. "Sensationalism" is the general practice, while "sensationalist reporting" refers to specific instances of it.

What's the difference between "sensationalism" and "drama"?

"Drama" refers to inherently exciting or emotional events, while "sensationalism" refers to the way those events are presented—often with exaggeration—to maximize their impact.