sensationalism

Meanings

Plural: sensationalisms

Noun

• subject matter that is calculated to excite and please vulgar tastes
• the journalistic use of subject matter that appeals to vulgar tastes
  • "the tabloids relied on sensationalism to maintain their circulation"
• (philosophy) the ethical doctrine that feeling is the only criterion for what is good
• (philosophy) the doctrine that knowledge derives from experience
• The use of sensational subject matter, style or methods, or the sensational subject matter itself; behavior, published materials, or broadcasts that are intentionally controversial, exaggerated, lurid, loud, or attention-grabbing. Especially applied to news media in a pejorative sense that they are reporting in a manner to gain audience or notoriety but at the expense of accuracy and professionalism.
• A theory of philosophy that all knowledge is ultimately derived from the senses.

Synonyms

empiricism, empiricist philosophy, luridness, sensualism

Antonyms

antisensationalism