sugary

adjective

sug·​ary ˈshu̇-g(ə-)rē 

1

a

: exaggeratedly sweet : honeyed

… his sugary deprecating voice.

—D. H. Lawrence

b

: cloyingly sweet : sentimental

2

: containing, resembling, or tasting of sugar

Synonyms of sugary

• sentimental
• sticky
• sloppy
• saccharine

Examples of sugary in a Sentence

writes sugary lyrics for singers of country music

Recent Examples on the Web

Make simple shifts such as limiting soda and sugary drinks and snacks while focusing on healthy meals and having a treat at the end of the day. — Allison Aubrey, NPR, 13 July 2026

It could be read, for example, to outlaw an excess of sugary snacks during a bike race. — Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 13 July 2026

Many ants feed on the sugary honeydew excreted by these insects and will actively protect them from predators. — The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2026

This is especially true when it’s paired with sugary toppings, which can quickly increase the overall calorie and sugar content. — Jillian Kubala, Health, 7 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

sugary

adjective

sug·​ary ˈshu̇g-(ə-)rē 

1

: too sweetly sentimental

2

: containing, resembling, or tasting of sugar