as in sentimental
appealing to the emotions in an obvious and tiresome way
the cloying sentiments of so many Mother's Day cards
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Recent Examples of cloying
Sezin Devi Koehler, EW.com, 23 Feb. 2025
But as any naysayers of the ready-to-drink (RTD) category will point out, pre-mixed cocktails can be clunky — cloying and sickly sweet, unbalanced, or laden with faux flavors of lime or other once-fresh ingredients.
—Kate Dingwall, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024
Warren comes off as shrill and cloying when compared with Julie Andrews' perfect voice and unaffected sweetness, and the high-school-grade set design and categorically ugly costumes are that much more dismal when compared to the vivid production of the 1997 fairy tale.
—EW.com, 4 Mar. 2025
Hainan chicken rice is maybe my favorite chicken dish — nourishing but not heavy, comforting but not cloying.
—Mia Leimkuhler, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cloying
Adjective
Unfortunately cloying ending aside, Gere and Lane are magnetic leads, and their chemistry feels real despite the film’s weaknesses.
—Sezin Devi Koehler, EW.com, 23 Feb. 2025
But as any naysayers of the ready-to-drink (RTD) category will point out, pre-mixed cocktails can be clunky — cloying and sickly sweet, unbalanced, or laden with faux flavors of lime or other once-fresh ingredients.
—Kate Dingwall, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024
Warren comes off as shrill and cloying when compared with Julie Andrews' perfect voice and unaffected sweetness, and the high-school-grade set design and categorically ugly costumes are that much more dismal when compared to the vivid production of the 1997 fairy tale.
—EW.com, 4 Mar. 2025
Hainan chicken rice is maybe my favorite chicken dish — nourishing but not heavy, comforting but not cloying.
—Mia Leimkuhler, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cloying
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cloying
Adjective
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Strahovski and her family said their goodbyes to the city in a sentimental post in February 2025.—
Emy LaCroix,
People.com,
8 Apr. 2025
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The British monarch and his longtime partner, who celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary on Wednesday, marked the sentimental milestone on Monday with a pair of portraits shared on social media.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The telltale signs range from sticky, clammy skin to having moisture on your windows and walls.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Apr. 2025
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In an interview with Fox Business on Wednesday, Dimon said rising interest rates, sticky inflation, and widening credit spreads are setting the stage for a wave of financial strain among U.S. companies.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Despite climbing home prices, mortgage rates have recently reported weeks of declines and inventory is growing in many parts of the country, alleviating the shortage of homes and forcing sellers to slash prices to attract still-cautious buyers.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
22 Mar. 2025
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But aside from a desire for revenge against Israel and remaining the primary power broker in Gaza, Hamas has consistently struggled to articulate an achievable long-term strategy for alleviating the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza.—
Mkhaimar Abusada,
The Conversation,
19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Had the veteran made sloppy errors or been at blame for any goals conceded, Farke would have been left with nowhere else to turn.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2025
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During Nebraska’s run, Cardenas endured an uncharacteristic sloppy spell, turning over the ball six times in the first half.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
5 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Archway Homes will buy the home and make the repairs needed, relieving the sellers of the hassle and expense.—
Archway Homes,
Kansas City Star,
5 Jan. 2025
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Xylitol may have other health benefits, including preventing ear and sinus infections, increasing bone density, and relieving constipation.—
Adrienne Dellwo,
Verywell Health,
5 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Those tackling the sweetest desserts — nanaimo bars and jam jams — are understandably stressed about translating saccharine flavors into something that reads savory.—
Caroline Framke,
Vulture,
4 Apr. 2025
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So Far Not to be mistaken for a saccharine tale about forgiveness, South of Midnight’s plot consistently subverts expectations.—
Sarah Thwaites,
Rolling Stone,
3 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cloying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cloying. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.
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