sensationalist

UK: /sɛnˈseɪʃ^ənɪlɪst/

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

sen•sa•tion•al•ism /sɛnˈseɪʃənəˌlɪzəm/   n. [uncountable]

1. the use of sensational subject matter or style:
   tabloids full of sensationalism.

See -sens-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

sen•sa•tion•al•ism  (sen sā′shə nl iz′əm), n. 

1. subject matter, language, or style producing or designed to produce startling or thrilling impressions or to excite and please vulgar taste.
2. the use of or interest in this subject matter, language, or style:
   The cheap tabloids relied on sensationalism to increase their circulation.
3. Philosophy
   • Philosophy the doctrine that the good is to be judged only by the gratification of the senses.
   • Philosophy the doctrine that all ideas are derived from and are essentially reducible to sensations.
4. Psychology sensationism.

• sensational + -ism 1840–50

sen•sa′tion•al•ist, n., adj. 
sen•sa′tion•al•is′tic, adj.