as in exaggerated
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 sensationalized
Sauceda said that while there is some truth to the claim in the video, it’s sensationalized and more likely just set up in a way to stop you from scrolling and scare you.
—
Eleesha Lockett, Verywell Health, 2 Apr. 2026
Bear attacks are largely over reported, and often sensationalized, in the media, escalating our fear of bears.
—Literary Hub, 3 Mar. 2026
There is an undeniable oversupply of negative, fear-inducing and even sensationalized content.
—Heather V. MacArthur, Forbes.com, 18 Jan. 2026
Aside from Tapia, the most high-profile figure named in the investigation, there are other protagonists whose entanglement has sensationalized the story.
—Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Then there’s anticipating potential backlash for anything exploitative or sensationalized.
—Derek Lawrence, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025
However, sensationalized headlines do little to advance meaningful reform.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025
Watkins later retracted her statements after she was sensationalized by the media.
—Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 6 Oct. 2025
However, there are and always will be those who choose to believe the tabloids’ sensationalized version of events.
—Sam Reed, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025
Eleesha Lockett, Verywell Health, 2 Apr. 2026
Bear attacks are largely over reported, and often sensationalized, in the media, escalating our fear of bears.
—Literary Hub, 3 Mar. 2026
There is an undeniable oversupply of negative, fear-inducing and even sensationalized content.
—Heather V. MacArthur, Forbes.com, 18 Jan. 2026
Aside from Tapia, the most high-profile figure named in the investigation, there are other protagonists whose entanglement has sensationalized the story.
—Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Then there’s anticipating potential backlash for anything exploitative or sensationalized.
—Derek Lawrence, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025
However, sensationalized headlines do little to advance meaningful reform.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025
Watkins later retracted her statements after she was sensationalized by the media.
—Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 6 Oct. 2025
However, there are and always will be those who choose to believe the tabloids’ sensationalized version of events.
—Sam Reed, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensationalized
Verb
-
Goldman Sachs’ David Mericle suggests this reading has perhaps been exaggerated.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
24 Apr. 2026
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Hanks rejected that argument, finding the remarks were exaggerated rather than defamatory.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The veteran troubadour elaborated on his ambivalence about his upcoming lifetime honor during two in-depth San Diego Union-Tribune interviews.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
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As The New York Times Magazine recently recalled, Jackson elaborated on this point in a 1984 People story about his backstage encounter with Bruce Springsteen during the Jackson brothers’ Victory tour.—
Steve Knopper,
Rolling Stone,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sensationalized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensationalized. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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