Over-sentimental

Characterized by or expressing excessive, exaggerated, or inappropriate sentimentality. It often involves an overly emotional response to situations that don't warrant such intensity. This can manifest in a tendency to find excessive emotional appeal in trivial matters, a maudlin display of feelings, or an unrealistic romanticization of experiences. Over-sentimentality often leads to a lack of objectivity and a distorted perception of reality, driven by a yearning for idealized emotional states or narratives. It can involve excessive dwelling on feelings, a penchant for overly dramatic displays of affection or grief, and a susceptibility to manipulation through emotional appeals. This behavior is frequently considered inauthentic or manipulative, as the emotional response feels contrived and disproportionate to the context. Furthermore, it frequently impairs critical judgment and thoughtful analysis.

Over-sentimental meaning with examples

• The movie was widely criticized for its over-sentimental portrayal of the war, relying on predictable emotional cues to manipulate the audience instead of offering genuine insights into the human cost of conflict. The plot’s reliance on cliché and forced moments of sorrow only undermined its potential impact, making the events feel less real than they should.
• Her letter was embarrassingly over-sentimental, gushing with effusive praise that felt forced and insincere. The overly flowery language and excessive adoration of minor achievements made the sentiments appear superficial, rather than heartfelt. Those sentiments were out of touch with the situation and the other people’s feelings.
• The antique shop’s selection of Valentine’s Day cards bordered on the over-sentimental. Every card featured an elaborate illustration of hearts, cherubs and flowery language; their design was too elaborate and it diminished their impact, suggesting a lack of authentic feeling. The shop was geared toward selling emotions not sentiment.
• He had an over-sentimental reaction to the abandoned puppy; he started sobbing uncontrollably and immediately wanted to take it home despite not being prepared for the commitment. His outburst was quite an over-the-top response to the dog, revealing a lack of rational thought.
• The novel's ending, filled with a tearful reunion and a perfect resolution, seemed excessively over-sentimental, detracting from the book's overall sophistication and realism. The ending felt contrived, a blatant appeal to emotional catharsis rather than a natural conclusion of the character development.