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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

Related Words

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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
Unfortunately, everything else in this misadventure, from annoying love interests to cloying sidekicks, is a minecart going off the rails. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 13 June 2026 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 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
  • Call me sentimental, but an epiphany at a table can linger for a long time.
    — Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Over the 28 years since its release, the original Practical Magic, despite its dismal reviews and middling box-office reception, has accrued a sentimental affection from fans.
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of sentimental
Verb
  • Hazardous floods could occur if back-to-back storms dump heavy rains over several days, saturating the soil in the mountains and filling reservoirs.
    — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Fortunately, labels both affordable and luxury are coming out with new takes on this trend like clockwork, saturating the market with colorful jackets for every personal aesthetic and practical need under the sun (or, more accurately, the rain).
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of saturating
Adjective
  • Raspberry jam oozed from between the layers like sticky blood.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026
  • And with inflation sticky, many expect the central bank to issue its first interest rate hike since 2023.
    — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of sticky
Verb
  • These turnovers also set up touchdowns, alleviating the pent-up stress of the first half.
    — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Fostering gives cats a temporary home on the way to adoption, alleviating stress on shelters and, in some instances, saving cats’ lives.
    — Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of alleviating
Adjective
  • After the game on Sunday, Harbaugh called the performance sloppy.
    — Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Sunday’s season-opening debacle — a sloppy, uninspired and uninspiring 26-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium — was a first, giant step back for these Chargers.
    — Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of sloppy
Verb
  • Because the underlying mechanisms driving this persistent pain are unknown, treatment options are centered on relieving symptoms but largely fall short.
    — Andrew Bubak, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Humor becomes a way of both relieving and postponing tension.
    — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of relieving
Adjective
  • Together, the notes create a gourmand that feels light and fluffy rather than dense or saccharine—sweet, but never overwhelming.
    — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The coffee itself is barely noticeable under a clobbering, overly saccharine flavor that reminds me of artificial grocery-store creamer.
    — Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of saccharine

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cloyed
cloying
cloys
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Cite this Entry

“Cloying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cloying. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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