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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Bea McMonagle, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Pro tip: Mixing in a bit of salt to the pour brings out more of the fruit and spice notes and takes away some of the cloying sweetness, said Enright.
—Ryan Deto, Axios, 7 Apr. 2025
But the effort is just what Bri needed in order to restore her faith in their relationship — by morning, with cloying smiles stamped on their faces, Bravo’s most inoffensive couple is back on track.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 Apr. 2025
Future Disney Channel star Brandon Baker plays Mowgli, in a cloying, awkward performance that fits with the hacky sitcom writing.
—Josh Bell, Vulture, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cloying
Adjective
Vanilla fragrances reign during the winter months but March and April present with some challenges for gourmand lovers as the note can feel heavy and cloying in warmer weather.
—Bea McMonagle, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Pro tip: Mixing in a bit of salt to the pour brings out more of the fruit and spice notes and takes away some of the cloying sweetness, said Enright.
—Ryan Deto, Axios, 7 Apr. 2025
But the effort is just what Bri needed in order to restore her faith in their relationship — by morning, with cloying smiles stamped on their faces, Bravo’s most inoffensive couple is back on track.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 Apr. 2025
Future Disney Channel star Brandon Baker plays Mowgli, in a cloying, awkward performance that fits with the hacky sitcom writing.
—Josh Bell, Vulture, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cloying
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cloying
Adjective
-
Whether preserving the original design (like Adrienne Bailon in 2019) or creatively recycling it (as Troian Bellisario did at the 2020 Golden Globes), these sentimental pieces are finding new life.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
17 May 2025
-
While the highlight of the weekend is usually the Dragon Boat Races — which have drawn competitors and crowds since 1991 — the sentimental favorite is the water lantern release onto the lake.—
Edwin Goei,
Los Angeles Times,
16 May 2025
Adjective
-
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and other members of the U.S. central bank are meeting Tuesday and Wednesday, trying to chart a path where the U.S. can avoid both a recession and sticky inflation.—
Jesse Pound,
CNBC,
6 May 2025
-
Relevance is a particularly sticky word, one that lacks nuance.—
Eric Crosby,
Artforum,
1 May 2025
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
Sinner won a bizarre semifinal in his first tournament back from a three-month doping ban, while Alcaraz triumphed in a sloppy duel.—
Sam Settleman,
New York Times,
17 May 2025
-
Denver defeated Gang Green 10-9 last season in a rainy, sloppy affair at MetLife Stadium.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
13 May 2025
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
The sugary pop tune, complete with a catchy hook and lyrics all about saccharine teen love, helped establish Bieber’s place in the top 40 mainstream.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Amy’s work is uplifting, but not in a saccharine way.—
Juliana Ukiomogbe,
Vogue,
16 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cloying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cloying. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share