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sensationalism

sen-SAY-shuh-nuh-liz-uhm /ˌsɛnˈseɪʃənəlɪzəm/

nounC1SATGRETOEFLIELTS

NeutralFormal

The use of exciting or shocking stories or language at the expense of accuracy, in order to provoke public interest or excitement.

Sensationalism prioritizes emotional impact and reader engagement over factual rigor or balanced reporting, often exaggerating or focusing on trivial aspects.

The story behind the word. The word 'sensationalism' derives from 'sensational,' which comes from the Latin 'sensus,' meaning 'sense' or 'feeling.' In the mid-19th century, 'sensational' began to describe things that appealed strongly to the emotions or excited interest. 'Sensationalism' then emerged to denote the practice of using such methods in journalism or literature, often at the expense of truth, to create a strong emotional 'sensation' in the audience.

Word relationships

yellow journalism: Journalism that is based upon sensationalism and crude exaggeration.
hyperbole: Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.
exaggeration: A statement that represents something as better or worse than it really is.

objectivity: The quality of being objective; freedom from bias.
accuracy: The quality or state of being correct or precise.
understatement: The presentation of something as being smaller, worse, or less important than it actually is.

Commonly confused with

drama: Drama can be inherent in a story; sensationalism is the exaggerated presentation of drama for effect.

Word family

sensational (adjective): Presenting information in a way that arouses strong curiosity, interest, or excitement, often with exaggeration.
sensationalize (verb): To present information about (something) in a way that arouses strong curiosity, interest, or excitement, especially by exaggerating important details.

Collocations

media sensationalism
journalistic sensationalism
avoid sensationalism
accused of sensationalism

Example sentences

"The tabloid newspaper was known for its sensationalism, often exaggerating headlines and focusing on celebrity scandals." Critiquing tabloid journalism.
"Critics argued that the channel's coverage of the minor incident bordered on sensationalism, creating unnecessary panic." Analyzing a news broadcast.

Memory hook

SENSATIONALISM is when news tries to make you feel a 'SENSATION' by over-the-top stories. Over-the-top feelings

When not to use

Do not use 'sensationalism' to describe genuinely important or shocking news that is reported accurately; it implies a deliberate distortion for effect.

Fun facts

The term 'yellow journalism' emerged in the late 19th century to describe sensationalist newspapers, particularly during the circulation battles between William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer.
Sensationalism often relies on large, dramatic headlines and vivid imagery to capture attention.