sentimentality Definition
excessive tenderness, sadness, or nostalgia, especially in an exaggerated and self-indulgent way.
Using sentimentality: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "sentimentality" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The movie was criticized for its sentimentality.
Example
He was overcome with sentimentality when he saw his childhood home.
Example
She often indulges in sentimentality when thinking about the past.
sentimentality Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for sentimentality
Antonyms for sentimentality
Phrases with sentimentality
to be excessively emotional or nostalgic
Example
He is guilty of sentimentality when it comes to his old car.
an excessive and sickly sweet display of emotion
Example
The book was filled with cloying sentimentality that turned off many readers.
a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past
Example
Her paintings are known for their nostalgic sentimentality, capturing a bygone era.
Summary: sentimentality in Brief
'Sentimentality' [ˌsɛntəmɛnˈtæləti] refers to excessive tenderness, sadness, or nostalgia, often in an exaggerated and self-indulgent way. It can be seen in movies, books, and personal behavior, as in 'She often indulges in sentimentality when thinking about the past.' Synonyms include 'mawkishness,' 'emotionalism,' and 'romanticism.'