sensationalism

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun subject matter that is calculated to excite and please vulgar tastes
noun the journalistic use of subject matter that appeals to vulgar tastes
noun (philosophy) the ethical doctrine that feeling is the only criterion for what is good

From sensational + -ism.

Neither of ‘padding’ nor a vulgar sensationalism is there any trace. — The Two Magics: The Turn of the Screw, Covering End, Henry James
For the first time in their lives they moved in the rich glamour of sensationalism. — Penrod, Booth Tarkington
It brings out what is most impressive in human action, without owing any of its effectiveness to sensationalism or artifice. — Paul Patoff, F. Marion (Francis Marion) Crawford

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