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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Recent Examples of cloying
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
Here came the cloying sentiments, the farcical calls for unity, the moment of sorrow over a long list of recent American tragedies whose anguish this spectacle purported to relieve.
—Nick Paumgarten, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cloying
Adjective
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
Here came the cloying sentiments, the farcical calls for unity, the moment of sorrow over a long list of recent American tragedies whose anguish this spectacle purported to relieve.
—Nick Paumgarten, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cloying
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cloying
Adjective
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Still owned by Swift’s parents, the property remains a sentimental cornerstone of her early years.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
2 May 2025
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In a crucial sequence, which shows the siblings bringing their mother to a nursing home, a car ride turns into a sentimental journey.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Rakestraw was excellent in training camp last year, showing a knack for the ball, sticky coverage and physicality in the run game.—
Colton Pouncy,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
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Vionic Kimmie Sneakers $130 $60 at Amazon These Vionic sneakers have perforated suede leather uppers that provide maximum airflow to keep your feet cool on hot, sticky afternoons.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
28 Apr. 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 pass from Dennis Schröder wouldn’t be as sloppy if Josh Hart didn’t get so in his face.—
Fred Katz,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2025
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But several lawmakers have been using their best stage whisper to urge Leadership teams in the House and Senate that this sort of sloppy handling of sensitive information cannot become normalized.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
22 Apr. 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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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
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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 13 May. 2025.
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