sentimental

adjective

sen·​ti·​men·​tal ˌsen-tə-ˈmen-tᵊl How to pronounce sentimental (audio)
Synonyms of sentimental
1
a
: marked or governed by feeling, sensibility, or emotional idealism
b
: resulting from feeling rather than reason or thought
a sentimental attachment
a sentimental favorite
2
: having an excess of sentiment or sensibility
sentimentally adverb

Synonyms of sentimental

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Examples of sentimental in a Sentence

He has a sentimental attachment to his old high school. She saved her wedding gown for sentimental reasons. He has sentimental ideas about the past. I tend to get very sentimental when I think about my childhood.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep sentimental items, practical basics, and timeless staples like well-fitting jeans, blazers, and versatile shoes. — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Aug. 2026 Those in the know noticed an especially sentimental aspect to her appearance this weekend, as the Princess wore jewelry that nodded to those dearest to her heart. — Stephanie Bridger-Linning, Vanity Fair, 2 Aug. 2026 Steve and Janet Alfinito may be sticking with their sentimental favorite and not venturing across the street. — Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 31 July 2026 The movie is essentially an old-fashioned story of one lad’s sentimental education, spiced up with NSFW perversity. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for sentimental

Word History

First Known Use

1741, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of sentimental was in 1741

Phrases Containing sentimental

Rhymes for sentimental

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Browse Nearby Words

sentiment
sentimental
sentimental comedy
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Cite this Entry

“Sentimental.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sentimental. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sentimental

adjective
sen·​ti·​men·​tal ˌsent-ə-ˈment-ᵊl How to pronounce sentimental (audio)
1
a
: marked by feeling or sentiment
b
: resulting from feeling rather than reason or thought
2
: having an excess of sentiment or sensibility
sentimentally
-ᵊl-ē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on sentimental

Nglish: Translation of sentimental for Spanish Speakers

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