cloy

Definition of cloynext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word cloy different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of cloy are glut, gorge, pall, sate, satiate, and surfeit. While all these words mean "to fill to repletion," cloy stresses the disgust or boredom resulting from such surfeiting.

sentimental pictures that cloy after a while

When is glut a more appropriate choice than cloy?

The synonyms glut and cloy are sometimes interchangeable, but glut implies excess in feeding or supplying.

a market glutted with diet books

When could gorge be used to replace cloy?

In some situations, the words gorge and cloy are roughly equivalent. However, gorge suggests glutting to the point of bursting or choking.

gorged themselves with chocolate

When would pall be a good substitute for cloy?

While the synonyms pall and cloy are close in meaning, pall emphasizes the loss of ability to stimulate interest or appetite.

a life of leisure eventually begins to pall

How do satiate and sate relate to one another, in the sense of cloy?

Both satiate and sate may sometimes imply only complete satisfaction but more often suggest repletion that has destroyed interest or desire.

years of globe-trotting had satiated their interest in travel
readers were sated with sensationalistic stories

When is it sensible to use surfeit instead of cloy?

The meanings of surfeit and cloy largely overlap; however, surfeit implies a nauseating repletion.

surfeited themselves with junk food

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of cloy But look out for An Irish Goodbye, the only English-language nominee, which is just cloying enough to win. Vulture, 10 Mar. 2023 The acidity is well balanced with the sweetness so as not to be cloying at all. Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 3 Mar. 2023 Lengua gyutan, or beef tongue, soaked in a creamy mushroom gravy, seemed destined to cloy but turned out to be smooth, balanced, and savory. Jiayang Fan, The New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2022 But before such moments can cloy, Arbery usefully complicates his case. New York Times, 22 June 2022 See All Example Sentences for cloy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cloy
Verb
  • Drone swarms, meanwhile, trade individual capability for numbers, coordination, and the ability to saturate defenses.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 21 July 2026
  • As with any trend that saturates the market, there are signs of fatigue.
    Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 21 July 2026
Verb
  • For some, summer heat can alleviate allergies and asthma symptoms, the network said.
    Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
  • The paved lot was built at the base of Fryman Canyon in 1998 to alleviate crowding and littering for wealthy Studio City neighbors whose streets were packed with cars.
    Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • Some jokes feel forced, as if added after the fact to try to lighten the mood.
    Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 22 July 2026
  • Instead, opt for neutral coats of paint, warm lightening schemes, and functional storage.
    Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 20 July 2026
Verb
  • Still, it’s been gratifying to see both Americans and foreigners try not only yerba mate, but even drinks Cafe Corazon made specifically for the teams that played in Kansas City.
    Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 19 July 2026
  • The novel plot is intricately structured and gratifying while the animation — which dips into various styles including impressionism — invites you into an awe-inspiring alternative world.
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 16 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Cloy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cloy. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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