IELTS Speaking · Vocabulary
sensationalism
noun/senˈseɪʃənəlɪzəm/Band 9
Last updated 21 July 2026
In short
“sensationalism” is a Band 9 noun that means the presentation of stories in a way designed to provoke excitement at the expense of accuracy. Below you'll find its pronunciation, natural example sentences, synonyms and antonyms, and the collocations that help you use it accurately in the IELTS Speaking test.
Meaning
The presentation of stories in a way designed to provoke excitement at the expense of accuracy.
Example sentences
Natural, spoken examples at the level an examiner rewards.
- “Tabloid sensationalism distorts serious issues.”
- “The channel was criticised for sensationalism.”
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
scaremongeringhype
Antonyms
restraintsober reporting
Collocations & common phrases
Word partners that make your usage sound natural — the difference between knowing a word and using it well.
Collocations
media sensationalismtabloid sensationalism
Common phrases
resort to sensationalism
Related words
Explore more vocabulary
Frequently asked questions
What does “sensationalism” mean?
The presentation of stories in a way designed to provoke excitement at the expense of accuracy.
How do you use “sensationalism” in a sentence?
For example: “Tabloid sensationalism distorts serious issues.”
What are some synonyms for “sensationalism”?
Synonyms include scaremongering, hype.
Is “sensationalism” good vocabulary for IELTS Speaking?
Yes. It is Band 9 vocabulary, and collocations such as media sensationalism, tabloid sensationalism help you use it naturally. Reaching for precise, less common words like this is exactly what lifts your Lexical Resource score.
Next step
Use “sensationalism” in a real mock exam
Practise your vocabulary out loud with SpeakMetry's AI examiner and get an instant band score with feedback on your Lexical Resource.
Start a free mock exam