Definition

1. Noun:
   • A philosophical doctrine: The theory that all knowledge originates from sensory experience (empiricism) or that feeling is the primary basis for determining what is good.
   • A journalistic or literary style: The use of shocking, exciting, or exaggerated subject matter and methods to provoke public interest or excitement, often at the expense of accuracy or good taste.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The philosopher's work was a clear defense of sensationalism against rationalist ideas.
  • The news report was criticized for its sensationalism, focusing on graphic details rather than the facts.
  • The magazine's reliance on sensationalism increased its sales but damaged its credibility.

Advanced Usage

• "to be accused of sensationalism": To be charged with using a sensational style.
  • The documentary was accused of sensationalism for its dramatic reenactments of the events.
• "a piece of sensationalism": An instance of sensational content.
  • The article was nothing more than a piece of sensationalism designed to generate clicks.

Variants and Related Words

• Sensational (adj): Causing great public interest, excitement, or shock.
  • The newspaper made a sensational claim about the celebrity.
• Sensationalist (adj): Having or showing a deliberate use of sensationalism.
  • The sensationalist headline distorted the truth of the story.
• Sensationalize (verb): To present information in a sensational way.
  • Some media outlets tend to sensationalize minor incidents.

Synonyms

• Exaggeration: A statement that represents something as better or worse than it is.
• Melodrama: A sensational dramatic piece with exaggerated characters and exciting events.
• Exploitation (in media): The unethical use of a subject for shock value or profit.

Related Phrases

• "Yellow journalism": Journalism that is based on sensationalism and crude exaggeration.
  • The era of yellow journalism was known for its scandalous headlines and stories.

Noun

1. (philosophy) the doctrine that knowledge derives from experience
2. (philosophy) the ethical doctrine that feeling is the only criterion for what is good
3. the journalistic use of subject matter that appeals to vulgar tastes
   • the tabloids relied on sensationalism to maintain their circulation
4. subject matter that is calculated to excite and please vulgar tastes