Definitions

1. verb

to present something in a spectacular or sensational manner, often by exaggerating or distorting its significance.

“The politician’s campaign promises were designed to barnumize the public, making them sound more appealing than they actually were.”

2. noun

a presentation or representation that is sensational or exaggerated, often to the point of being misleading or deceptive.

“The company’s marketing campaign was accused of barnumizing the product, making it sound more effective than it really was.”