SENSATIONALIZED Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

sensationalized

verb

past tense of sensationalize

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 Sorkin’s forte is the zippy, quippy, expository argument, simplified and sensationalized for public consumption. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2026 This keeps the performance informal and keeps the narrative — a staggering odyssey of injustices, abuses, travel adventures, extraordinary coincidences, losses, reunions, reflections and self-analysis — from becoming sensationalized. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026 In that aspect, The Whisper Man serves as a commentary on how serial killers are not only sensationalized in pop culture, but given borderline celebrity status. — Josh Weiss, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Co-directed by Alexandra Orton, the film combines Maddox’s personal video diaries, therapy sessions, and exclusive interviews while descending into Manson’s early background and sensationalized media persona as a monster. — Jake Kring-Schreifels, Time, 22 July 2026 That tragic moment was sensationalized in the press and for years was among the first things mentioned when discussing her work and legacy. — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 15 July 2026 While local authorities say these takeovers are a problem, legal experts say they're being sensationalized in media reports and online. — Saleen Martin, USA Today, 2 June 2026 One of the things that really compelled me about this season was Sam has not sensationalized the important issues of drug use. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 1 June 2026 The violence is not sensationalized, where nothing comes of it. — ArsTechnica, 13 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensationalized

Verb

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly framed settler violence in the West Bank as the work of a few dozen fringe youths and said its scale has been exaggerated.

— Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
The shrinking process had exaggerated some features, vanished others, and blackened the flesh.

— Daniel Barnum, Longreads, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of exaggerated

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sensationalize

sensationalized

sensationalizes

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“Sensationalized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensationalized. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of sensationalized

verb

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