sentimentality

noun

sen·​ti·​men·​tal·​i·​ty ˌsen-tə-ˌmen-ˈta-lə-tē How to pronounce sentimentality (audio)
-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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Truth be told, the final stretches of sentimentality might’ve been a bit much, if Gaga hadn’t earned the right to get lovey-dovey with us by being such a scary goofball earlier on. Chris Willman, Variety, 12 Apr. 2025 Michelle’s unfazed, stunned response to the homily at Mass during the opening scene introduces Ozon’s own lack of sentimentality and affirms Ozon’s connection to cinema’s greatest traditions. Armond White, National Review, 11 Apr. 2025 Instead, Kallenbach felt inspired to create her own moments of sentimentality. Olivia Lee, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2025 Whether for its romantic or vintage charm, the creator's boyfriend's gift has pointed to the sentimentality of antique shopping. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sentimentality

Word History

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sentimentality was in 1770

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sentimentality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sentimentality. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

sentimentality

noun
sen·​ti·​men·​tal·​i·​ty ˌsent-ə-ˌmen-ˈtal-ət-ē How to pronounce sentimentality (audio)
-mən-
plural sentimentalities
1
: the quality or state of being sentimental and especially overly sentimental
2
: a sentimental idea or its expression

More from Merriam-Webster on sentimentality

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!