Sensationalize (verb)

To present something in a manner intended to provoke public interest or excitement, often by exaggerating or distorting the facts.

Origin:

From sensation + -alize.

Examples:

1. The newspaper sensationalized the story to increase its readership.
2. The politician was accused of sensationalizing the issue to gain votes.
3. The reporter's article sensationalized the event to make it more newsworthy.
4. The media was criticized for sensationalizing the crime to boost ratings.
5. The newspaper sensationalized the story to make it more interesting and scandalous.