sentimentality
noun
sen·ti·men·tal·i·ty
ˌsen-tə-ˌmen-ˈta-lə-tē 
-mən-
plural sentimentalities
1
: the quality or state of being sentimental especially to excess or in affectation
2
: a sentimental idea or its expression
Examples of sentimentality in a Sentence
the sentimentality of Romantic poetry
the sentimentality of the story of star-crossed lovers only made it even more popular with moviegoers
Recent Examples on the Web
The video production is lush, the sentimentality laid on thick — this is a movie that’s far more interested in playing familiar notes about how cinema is magical and storytelling is vital for the already converted than taking a critical look at its subjects.
—
Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
Richard’s account would probably differ and have more to do with Lorenz’s alcoholism, depression, erratic work habits, and aversion to sentimentality.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025
The emotions that drive decisions at the top of the free-agent market — sentimentality, desperation, urgency — are dulled by the organization’s adherence to process.
—Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
This morning, sentimentality keeps you from seeing a situation clearly.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sentimentality
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Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
Richard’s account would probably differ and have more to do with Lorenz’s alcoholism, depression, erratic work habits, and aversion to sentimentality.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025
The emotions that drive decisions at the top of the free-agent market — sentimentality, desperation, urgency — are dulled by the organization’s adherence to process.
—Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
This morning, sentimentality keeps you from seeing a situation clearly.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sentimentality
Cite this Entry
“Sentimentality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sentimentality. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sentimentality
noun
sen·ti·men·tal·i·ty
ˌsent-ə-ˌmen-ˈtal-ət-ē
-mən-
plural sentimentalities
1
: the quality or state of being sentimental and especially overly sentimental
2
: a sentimental idea or its expression
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