mawkish

adjective

ˈmȯ-kish How to pronounce mawkish (audio)
Definition of mawkishnext
as in sentimental
appealing to the emotions in an obvious and tiresome way a mawkish plea for donations to the charity

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 mawkish Knight’s directorial debut never tips over into mawkish but has some unashamedly tender moments. — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2026 After a mawkish beginning, the play somewhat redeems itself through earned emotions and an ambiguous ending that begs discussion. — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 14 June 2025 Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi, jailed and banned frequently, has never allowed his work to get mawkish. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025 If that line of reasoning is too mawkish and bleeding-heart for your taste, Worsley makes a more pragmatic argument for a generous, welcoming immigration policy, one unsentimentally rooted in cold dollars and cents. — Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for mawkish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mawkish
  1. sentimental
  2. sloppy
  3. sticky
Adjective
  • As per other members of the British royal family, Queen Camilla often wears those sentimental pieces during special occasions as a way to pay homage to the long-reigning British monarch.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 20 July 2026
  • England, given the potential of ending the 60 years of futility, was a sentimental favorite to emerge from the final four powers at this World Cup, which also included Argentina (who last won in 2022), France (2018) and Spain (2010).
    — Sean Gregory, Time, 15 July 2026
Definition of sentimental
Adjective
  • Golden State forced six Washington turnovers, but had six turnovers of its own in what was a sloppy first half.
    — Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 19 July 2026
  • Minor wrinkles and soft creases look intentional rather than sloppy.
    — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
Definition of sloppy
Adjective
  • The metal shelving across from the ice machines had sticky accumulation.
    — Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado July 17, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026
  • To diagnose those sticky tasks and peddle its tools, Snap-on relies on thousands of franchisees, who make weekly visits to nearly a million neighborhood mechanics in custom company vans.
    — Scott Horsley, NPR, 17 July 2026
Definition of sticky

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mawkish
mawkishness
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Cite this Entry

“Mawkish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mawkish. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on mawkish

Nglish: Translation of mawkish for Spanish Speakers

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