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
  • Backyard weddings are among the most sentimental and intimate of celebrations.
    — Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Rather than a sentimental image of maternal love and devotion, Cassatt depicts the sheer effort of remaining oneself within the consuming closeness of caring for one’s child.
    — Carmen Rosenberg-Miller, Artforum, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of sentimental
Verb
  • That creates an important exception for government agencies that test drugs and send out regular reports on what adulterants are saturating the drug supply in certain locations.
    — Scott Maucione, NPR, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Spray it onto a microfiber cloth and wipe your floors to avoid over-saturating them.
    — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 31 July 2026
Definition of saturating
Adjective
  • Use apple cider vinegar traps or sticky traps to catch adult gnats, and inspect plants before bringing them indoors.
    — Leah Chester-Davis, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Rising gas prices, sticky inflation and rising unemployment in the Black community threaten many small businesses that serve Black consumers.
    — Frank Holland, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of sticky
Verb
  • Accordingly, preventing or alleviating hypertension and diabetes can partly be done by managing these factors.
    — Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 5 Aug. 2026
  • This isn’t the first time Halle Berry has worked on a project aimed at alleviating menopause symptoms.
    — Sophie Dunne, Footwear News, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of alleviating
Adjective
  • With a pointed collar and button cuffs, flannels look more put-together than sloppy sweatshirts, all while staying comfy and relaxed.
    — Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026
  • That screwed up the works / And not due to his sloppy hiring / Of a crew of incompetent jerks.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of sloppy
Verb
  • Capacity is scarce and expensive to serve, and every new model at the frontier adds to that demand rather than relieving it.
    — Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Some people use it for its stimulant or pain-relieving effects, though federal health officials have repeatedly warned about its safety.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of relieving
Adjective
  • This perfume combines the quintessential summer fruit with tonka bean, florals, plum nectar, and apple blossom for a truly memorable, sweet but not overly saccharine finish.
    — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Overdo it, and your recipe becomes too saccharine.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 22 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 12 Aug. 2026.

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