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
Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 June 2025
Despite its fame, the wine is measured and clean, not cloying.
—Rachel King, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
In terms of avoiding any pedant or cloying changes in the storytelling, hiring DeBlois to shepherd the film from one iteration to another was a wise choice.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 10 June 2025
The black cherry note is rich and juicy without being cloying, and the bergamot and Calabrian lemon add this gorgeous sparkle that keeps things from getting too heavy.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for cloying
Verb
Consider lemons, limes, stone fruit, green apple, white peach, or tart cherries—these flavors feel light, lively, and energizing, not cloying, explains Madeline Gordon, general manager at Wine & Rind.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 June 2025
Despite its fame, the wine is measured and clean, not cloying.
—Rachel King, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
In terms of avoiding any pedant or cloying changes in the storytelling, hiring DeBlois to shepherd the film from one iteration to another was a wise choice.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 10 June 2025
The black cherry note is rich and juicy without being cloying, and the bergamot and Calabrian lemon add this gorgeous sparkle that keeps things from getting too heavy.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for cloying
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cloying
Adjective
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The sentimental choice only made the moment even more special, with William explaining why the sapphire piece was so close to his heart.—
Ariana Quihuiz,
People.com,
3 Aug. 2025
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His portrayals throughout tend toward the gently sentimental, no noble savagery in view.—
Tyler Austin Harper,
The Atlantic,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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For dried or sticky grease, Marshall suggests switching to dish soap diluted in water and rubbing gently with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
14 Aug. 2025
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Despite skyrocketing prices for TV rights from name-brand sports leagues, even smaller streaming services know their future will be driven in part by that particularly sticky tune-in driver for audiences.—
David Bloom,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 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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The turmoil dates back to a somewhat sloppy performance at a charity show at London’s Royal Albert Hall in March.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
4 Aug. 2025
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Learning how to practice Despite the steady energy throughout camp, Saturday’s session had its share of sloppy moments.—
Zach Sweet,
Kansas City Star,
3 Aug. 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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As saccharine salsa romántica became a pop phenomenon, Palmieri skewed toward economical composition and sonic bombardment, his penchant for trombone-heavy setups sparking a movement of its own within salsa.—
Jazz Monroe,
Pitchfork,
7 Aug. 2025
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Works like Ships in Girl (1992) reject the saccharine tropes of kawaii culture, instead offering nuanced portraits of psychological unrest.—
Lee Sharrock,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cloying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cloying. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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