sentimentality

Definitions

The quality or state of being governed by feelings, emotions, or nostalgia rather than reason.

An excessive or affected display of tender, romantic, or nostalgic emotion.

Examples

His excessive sentimentality often clouded his judgment when making difficult business decisions.

The old photograph was kept in a velvet box, a small token of sentimentality from her childhood.

While the movie was criticized for its overt sentimentality, it still managed to move the audience to tears.

Synonyms

maudlinness mawkishness emotionalism tenderness nostalgia pathos sensibility

Antonyms

callousness insensitivity detachment stoicism apathy coldness indifference