sensationalistic
Exaggerated for attention
Sensationalistic describes content or presentation that emphasizes shocking, lurid, or emotionally provocative elements over substance or accuracy.
The term is almost always critical, suggesting that someone has sacrificed truth or nuance for attention: The coverage was sensationalistic, focusing on the gruesome details rather than the victims' lives.
News outlets, tabloids, and documentaries often face this charge.
Reporting prioritizing shock value
- gossipInformal talk spreading rumors
- scandalDisgraceful public affair
- paparazziAggressive celebrity photographers
- celebrityWidely recognized public figure
scoop · headline · infotainment · media circus · tell-all · exposé · rumormonger · muckraking
Inflated beyond reasonable proportion
- dramatizedRendered for stage
- embellishedDecorated or exaggerated
- inflatedExpanded with gas
- overstatedClaimed more than true
amplified · hyperbolized · magnified · distorted · overemphasized · overdrawn · aggrandized · elaborated
Morally offensive or shocking
- outrageousShockingly bad or excessive
- luridShockingly vivid or gruesome
- graphicVividly detailed or visual
- gruesomeCausing horror and disgust
macabre · provocative · titillating · salacious · prurient · exploitative · gratuitous · gory
yellow journalism
Reporting prioritizing shock value
- gossipInformal talk spreading rumors
- scandalDisgraceful public affair
- paparazziAggressive celebrity photographers
celebrity · scoop · headline · infotainment · media circus · tell-all · exposé · rumormonger · muckraking · gutter press
overblown
Inflated beyond reasonable proportion
- dramatizedRendered for stage
- embellishedDecorated or exaggerated
- inflatedExpanded with gas
overstated · amplified · hyperbolized · magnified · distorted · overemphasized · overdrawn · aggrandized · elaborated · puffed-up
scandalous
Morally offensive or shocking
- outrageousShockingly bad or excessive
- luridShockingly vivid or gruesome
- graphicVividly detailed or visual
gruesome · macabre · provocative · titillating · salacious · prurient · exploitative · gratuitous · gory · morbid
sensationalisticrestrained
Held under control
measured · understated · sober · subdued · dignified
sensationalisticobjective
Purpose or goal
measured · restrained · balanced · factual · responsible
sensationalisticdry
Free from moisture
matter-of-fact · unemotional · dispassionate · understated · low-key