cloying 1 of 2

adjective

ˈklȯi-iŋ How to pronounce cloying (audio)
Definition of cloyingnext
as in sentimental
appealing to the emotions in an obvious and tiresome way the cloying sentiments of so many Mother's Day cards

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

cloying

2 of 2

verb

present participle of cloy
as in saturating

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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 cloying
Adjective
Honey scent does not have to read as cloying, even on hot days. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2026 Only at the start of April do these flowers begin to unfurl in delicate clusters, their petals heavy with dew and a sweet, cloying scent. — Amelia Dhuga, Vogue, 25 May 2026 And also very joyous without being sentimental or cloying. — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 22 May 2026 But Kore-eda is more interested in a smiley-happy outcome of mutual accord, which is pushed into sentimental overdrive by increasingly cloying slatherings of Bandoh’s score. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for cloying
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cloying
  1. sentimental
  2. saturating
  3. sticky
  4. alleviating
  5. sloppy
  6. relieving
  7. saccharine
Adjective
  • Camilla also regularly wears pieces from the late Queen Elizabeth II’s collection, including brooches, tiaras and other sentimental pieces.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 15 July 2026
  • Kate also wore the bracelet to Wimbledon in early July and to a visit to Evelina London Children’s Hospital—no doubt the most sentimental addition to her bracelet stack.
    — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 13 July 2026
Definition of sentimental
Verb
  • Follow by saturating the area with a pet-specific enzymatic cleaner.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 26 June 2026
  • However, strawberries are also susceptible to root rot, so make sure to avoid over-saturating the soil.
    — Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 20 June 2026
Definition of saturating
Adjective
  • The metal shelving across from the ice machines had sticky accumulation.
    — Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado July 17, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026
  • To diagnose those sticky tasks and peddle its tools, Snap-on relies on thousands of franchisees, who make weekly visits to nearly a million neighborhood mechanics in custom company vans.
    — Scott Horsley, NPR, 17 July 2026
Definition of sticky
Verb
  • In some cases, new toll roads can play an important role in alleviating congestion and improving traffic flow on existing roadways, particularly in a rapidly growing region like Central Florida.
    — Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2026
  • Vaginal suppositories are also often prescribed for alleviating pelvic pain.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 7 July 2026
Definition of alleviating
Adjective
  • No one likes the sloppy tailoring of Octavius’s open-back suit, but Law loves the jacket.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 17 July 2026
  • This thick, brownish concoction, a kind of hot dog chili, is sloppy, packs some heat, and the fiery punch to the taste buds can be a surprise to the uninitiated.
    — USA TODAY Network, USA Today, 15 July 2026
Definition of sloppy
Verb
  • The salicylic acid helps gently remove flakes while relieving any irritation and itchy feelings.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
  • Best July 4th Bose Headphone Deal Bose QuietComfort The Bose QuietComfort Headphones claim absolute silence by fusing industry-leading active noise cancellation mechanics with plush, pressure-relieving over-ear cushions.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 6 July 2026
Definition of relieving
Adjective
  • Overdo it, and your recipe becomes too saccharine.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 22 June 2026
  • With a minimal, yet still impactful, pastel floral design, the rug hedges its saccharine design with ample negative space.
    — Briana Feigon, Architectural Digest, 17 June 2026
Definition of saccharine

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Cite this Entry

“Cloying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cloying. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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