sensationalize
Blow out proportion
To sensationalize is to present information in a way that exaggerates or emphasizes the most shocking, scandalous, or emotional aspects, typically to provoke strong reactions or attract attention.
News outlets sensationalize stories to boost ratings; tabloids sensationalize celebrity gossip: The media sensationalized the trial, turning it into a spectacle.
The word carries a negative connotation—implying distortion or cheapening of facts for effect.
Add decorative elements
- overstateRepresent as greater
- inflateFill with gas
- amplifyIncrease in strength
- dramatizeDepict with heightened emotion
hyperbolize · overplay · distort · misrepresent · magnify · stretch · overemphasize · overdraw
Informal talk spreading rumors
- scandalDisgraceful public affair
- celebrityWidely recognized public figure
- rumorUnconfirmed circulating story
- exposéInvestigative journalism piece
paparazzi · headline · clickbait · yellow journalism · muckraking · tell-all · sleaze · dirt
embellish
Add decorative elements
dramatize · hyperbolize · overplay · distort · misrepresent · magnify · stretch · overemphasize · overdraw · heighten
gossip
Informal talk spreading rumors
- scandalDisgraceful public affair
- celebrityWidely recognized public figure
- rumorUnconfirmed circulating story
exposé · paparazzi · headline · clickbait · yellow journalism · muckraking · tell-all · sleaze · dirt · juicy
hype
Exaggerated promotional fanfare
trending · spin · propaganda · broadcast · breaking news · coverage · ratings · eyeballs · audience · attention-grabbing
scandalize
Shock through impropriety
alarm · disturb · unsettle · provoke · inflame · agitate · titillate · exploit · manipulate · stir up
sensationalizedownplay
Diminish perceived importance
underplay · minimize · de-emphasize · soft-pedal · play down
- media sensationalismOverblown news coverage
- tabloid sensationalismDramatic, exaggerated news coverage
sensationalism, sensationalist, sensationalized, sensationalizes, sensationalizing, sensationalise, sensationalised, sensationalises, sensationalising