What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sensationalize
Example
The media tends to sensationalize stories about crime and violence to attract more viewers. [sensationalize: verb]
Example
The article was criticized for sensationalizing the details of the accident. [sensationalizing: gerund or present participle]
hyperbolize
Example
He tends to hyperbolize his accomplishments to impress others. [hyperbolize: verb]
Example
The author's use of hyperbole in describing the scenery made the book more engaging. [hyperbole: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sensationalize is more commonly used than hyperbolize in the context of news or media. Hyperbolize is less common and is more likely to be used in speech or writing to create emphasis or drama.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sensationalize and hyperbolize?
Both sensationalize and hyperbolize are informal words that are not typically used in formal contexts. However, sensationalize is more likely to be associated with unethical journalism and has a more negative connotation than hyperbolize.
