as in sentimental
appealing to the emotions in an obvious and tiresome way
a schmaltzy television commercial featuring a photogenic, perfect family
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Recent Examples of schmaltzy
In the way that Harrison looks to the Bible for models of relationships and drama, Cappa’s Haha, You Clowns looks to schmaltzy sitcoms and after school specials.
—
James Folta, Literary Hub, 18 Dec. 2025
Its almost schmaltzy final notes are a brilliant companion to Coppola’s unforgettable ending.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 20 Aug. 2025
James Folta, Literary Hub, 18 Dec. 2025
Its almost schmaltzy final notes are a brilliant companion to Coppola’s unforgettable ending.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 20 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for schmaltzy
Adjective
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Things couldn’t be more sentimental or nostalgic.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Feb. 2026
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Inclusion, for him, was not sentimental.—
John Hope Bryant,
Time,
25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Compared to the absolving gleam of latex, sloppy imperfection isn’t especially sexy.—
Lillian Fishman,
New Yorker,
25 Feb. 2026
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Against the Raptors, that translated into sloppy basketball.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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If, in the following days, increasing moisture and a sticky feel to the atmosphere are accompanied by fog or overcast skies, this can signal the approach of a cold front with a cooler air mass behind it.—
Newsroom Meteorologist,
Austin American Statesman,
24 Feb. 2026
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In 2025, though, gold broke through several barriers, setting new records along the way as investors reacted to sticky inflation, uneven economic data and growing skepticism about how long restrictive monetary policy could stay in place.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
24 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Schmaltzy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/schmaltzy. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
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