What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sensationalistic
Example
The newspaper's sensationalistic headlines often exaggerate the facts to sell more copies. [sensationalistic: adjective]
Example
The TV show's portrayal of the crime was sensationalistic and over-the-top. [sensationalistic: adjective]
exaggerated
Example
The politician's claims about his accomplishments were exaggerated and misleading. [exaggerated: adjective]
Example
She rolled her eyes in an exaggerated manner to show her annoyance. [exaggerated: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Exaggerated is more commonly used than sensationalistic in everyday language. Exaggerated is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts, while sensationalistic is more specific and often used in the context of media or news.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sensationalistic and exaggerated?
Both sensationalistic and exaggerated are informal words that are typically used in casual conversation or writing. However, sensationalistic may be considered slightly more informal due to its association with tabloid journalism and sensationalized news stories.
