When we think sentimentally, we're often looking for words to describe a strong emotional connection to something or someone. Synonyms include terms like romanticize, idealize, and sentimentalize. All of these words describe the act of imbuing an object or person with a particular emotion, or coloring our memories of them with an emotional tint. Other alternatives might include words like cherish, treasure, and hold dear, which imply affection and attachment rather than sentimentality per se. Whether we're talking about a cherished heirloom, a beloved pet, or a memory from childhood, there are countless ways to describe the emotional resonance that certain things can have for us.