Synonym Chooser

How is the word sentiment distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of sentiment are affection, emotion, feeling, and passion. While all these words mean "a subjective response to a person, thing, or situation," sentiment often implies an emotion inspired by an idea.

her feminist sentiments are well known

In what contexts can affection take the place of sentiment?

The synonyms affection and sentiment are sometimes interchangeable, but affection applies to feelings that are also inclinations or likings.

a memoir of childhood filled with affection for her family

How do emotion and feeling relate to one another, in the sense of sentiment?

Emotion carries a strong implication of excitement or agitation but, like feeling, encompasses both positive and negative responses.

the drama portrays the emotions of adolescence

When could feeling be used to replace sentiment?

The words feeling and sentiment are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, feeling denotes any partly mental, partly physical response marked by pleasure, pain, attraction, or repulsion; it may suggest the mere existence of a response but imply nothing about the nature or intensity of it.

the feelings that once moved me are gone

When can passion be used instead of sentiment?

The meanings of passion and sentiment largely overlap; however, passion suggests a very powerful or controlling emotion.

revenge became his ruling passion

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of sentiment Speakers at Tuesday’s council meeting echoed the sentiment decrying the endorsement. Maritza Dominguez, AZCentral.com, 12 July 2025 The sentiment is sweet, but also appears to reference some tumultuous times. Glamour, 11 July 2025 Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.4 %, weighed down by selling of exporters’ shares amid the yen’s appreciation, which cuts profits from exports, and dampened sentiment because of the lack of progress in the Japan-U.S. trade talks. Alex Veiga, Fortune, 10 July 2025 The survey ranks company sentiment between zero and 1 — with a .5 reading indicating a neutral outlook balanced between pessimism and optimism. Tom Hudson, Sun Sentinel, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for sentiment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sentiment
Noun
  • The prefrontal cortex – the area of the brain that regulates emotions, behavior and memory processing – is the last region to connect to others, one which may not fully integrate until the third decade of life.
    The Marshall Project, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 July 2025
  • The moment was filled with conflicting emotions, a mix of gratitude and solemn reflection.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • Many of his opinions are unorthodox and expressed with a freewheeling exuberance generally unknown in a profession—classical-music criticism—that is normally self-effacing and respectful, if not carpet-slipper timid and dull.
    David Denby, New Yorker, 20 July 2025
  • Another envelope would follow with the state’s response, then another with the court’s opinion.
    Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 20 July 2025
Noun
  • And that feeling of intentional participation is the real fuel behind meaning, motivation and emotional nourishment.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Craft Omakase Intimacy, craftsmanship and the feeling that you've been let onto a small secret create a sense of mystery and intrigue at this sushi restaurant helmed by several Uchiko veterans.
    Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • Some examples might include: Faith – Avoiding investments in companies that conflict with your beliefs.
    James Brewer, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • IndieWire noted that Offerman's prior roles include conservative and right-wing types, a contrast to his personal progressive beliefs.
    Victoria Edel, People.com, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • The wholesome video struck a chord with TikTok users, who flooded the comments with laughter and heartfelt reactions.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025
  • One of Riri’s journeys involves mourning the loss of her best friend, Natalie, a storyline that has struck a chord with early fans.
    Leigh Nordstrom, Footwear News, 22 July 2025
Noun
  • An aerial view shows homes burned in the Eaton Fire on February 05, 2025, in Altadena, California.
    Umair Irfan, Wired News, 19 July 2025
  • In their view, emotions were not a distraction from rational thinking but a vital component of it.
    Ted Ladd, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
Noun
  • These questions are helping businesses turn everyday items into brand moments and, in some cases, into movements created through commonality and a sense of community. 5.
    Douglas Gregory, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Such easy overlap between juror and filmmaker speaks to a wider festival goal toward building a real sense of community within the genre world.
    Ben Croll, Variety, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Moreover, Kremlin insiders suspect that the 50-day window before any new US sanctions hit is plenty of time for their military push in Ukraine to pay off – or, failing that, for a notoriously changeable President Trump to change his mind on Russia once again.
    Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 15 July 2025
  • Keep in mind that buckwheat can cause allergic reactions in certain people (especially in Asian countries), particularly if eaten frequently or in large amounts.
    Caroline Tien, SELF, 15 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sentiment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sentiment. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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