Sensationalism is a term used to describe the practice of using sensational language or images to create excitement or interest in a story. Some synonyms for sensationalize include exaggerate, dramatize, hype, overstate, sensationalize, and overplay. These words are often used in journalism to describe how a particular topic or event has been presented to the public. The use of sensational language can be controversial, as some believe that it is used to manipulate readers or viewers and create unnecessary anxiety or concern. However, others argue that it is a necessary tool for journalists to capture the attention of their audience and raise awareness about important issues.