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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cloying
John Mariani, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Namely, a harsh, acrid taste, and any kind of cloying sweetness.
—Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 May 2025
Ultimately, Season 5 sees Joe behind bars and with his nether regions blown off by gunshot, with the majority of his remaining victims having survived his glass box, predatory cloying and delusional self-aggrandizement.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 28 Apr. 2025
The persistent and cloying underscoring does not; the music exists to gin up emotions that aren’t earned.
—Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cloying
Verb
Instead, though from an Japanese breed, this American beef had plenty of flavor without being cloying, so that a trencherman at my table polished off the whole slab.
—John Mariani, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Namely, a harsh, acrid taste, and any kind of cloying sweetness.
—Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 May 2025
Ultimately, Season 5 sees Joe behind bars and with his nether regions blown off by gunshot, with the majority of his remaining victims having survived his glass box, predatory cloying and delusional self-aggrandizement.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 28 Apr. 2025
The persistent and cloying underscoring does not; the music exists to gin up emotions that aren’t earned.
—Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cloying
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cloying
Adjective
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The ‘pouf sentimental’ hairstyle was created by hairdresser Leonard Autie and debuted on the Duchesse de Chartres in 1774, famously adorned with 14 yards of gauze, figurines, a plate of cherries and a parrot.—
Lee Sharrock,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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That is my favorite now because of sentimental reasons.—
Heran Mamo,
Billboard,
25 June 2025
Adjective
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Our formulas are oxybenzone-free, water- and sweat-resistant, and designed lightweight unlike typical sport sunscreens that leave you feeling sticky or break down in the heat of competition.—
Dave Knox,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
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Season 3, relentless in its examination of the sticky contours of Carm’s trauma, offered fewer bursts of that kind of respite.—
Sophie Gilbert,
The Atlantic,
26 June 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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Driving Challenges tackle rock gardens, blind drop-offs, and water crossings where sloppy throttle work comes at a cost.—
Shelby Knick,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
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Thus far, the Wind Down delivers with its clean lines, deep cushions, and just-right balance of softness and structure that is far from sloppy—even with her young child is known to practice high dives and a somersaults or two.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
26 June 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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The color palettes popular after pandemic shutdowns were vivid, bright and almost saccharine.—
Hannah Vanbiber,
New York Times,
1 May 2025
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There is always the wide-brim sun hat, which brings a real level of drama and panache to every occasion—and can be subverted from its saccharine ways—just look at how Alessandro Michele paired his at Valentino with a pair of groovy trousers and an opulent cropped jacket on the runway.—
Laia Garcia-Furtado,
Vogue,
5 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cloying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cloying. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.
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