schmaltz 1 of 2

variants also schmalz
as in sludge
something (as a work of literature or music) that is too sentimental the love song was a typical example of overproduced schmaltz

Synonyms & Similar Words

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schmaltzy

2 of 2

adjective

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 schmaltz
Noun
The horror factor, however, takes a back seat when Ally and Jay share comically gratuitous moments of rom-com schmaltz. Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2025 Or whatever the fat, the combination of oil and the schmaltz at that point, would float up. Bon Appétit, 22 Jan. 2025 Forever, Michael has some funky, feisty music, but it’s ultimately overpowered by schmaltz. Al Shipley, SPIN, 16 Jan. 2025 The family drama peppered through the film leans too earnest, leading to an ending that pours on the schmaltz way too hard. Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for schmaltz
Recent Examples of Synonyms for schmaltz
Noun
  • Guests can sign up to walk to the canal and toss in Genki balls, filled with microorganisms that eat away at the sludge in the canal created from manmade pollutants.
    Jalyn Robinson, Travel + Leisure, 25 May 2025
  • Reichardt’s previous films, such as her retro Westerns Meek’s Cutoff and First Cow, have tended towards sludge and shadows, but her competition closer opens with the golden leaves of a New England fall, slightly faded to the paler golds of an Ektachrome postcard of the era.
    Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • As school years around the country wind down, many students have been paying tribute to their own Miss Honey-esque teachers on TikTok, using the voiceover and the sentimental music that goes with it to introduce educators who made a difference in their lives each year.
    Kate Hogan, People.com, 6 June 2025
  • One user posted a sentimental goodbye to their standard matcha latte cream top order at Maru.
    Lauren Ng, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • Here’s a recipe for Christina Tosi’s cinnamon buns with brown sugar goo.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
  • Unlike liquid sanitizer, wipes won't leak in your bag, which means no surprise goo on your stuff.
    Gregory Robinson, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2025
Adjective
  • There were loud boos at half-time, a smattering in the closing minutes and a few more at the final whistle as England played without any real intensity, were sloppy in possession and struggled to break down a team more than happy to sit everyone behind the ball.
    Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 8 June 2025
  • Though her level of play has vacillated between sharp and sloppy throughout the tournament, Gauff was mostly dialed in against Boisson, who captivated the Parisian crowds in recent days.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • With their sticky bodies, hammerhead worms may get stuck to pet fur, but the worms will not irritate their skin, Morgan-Olvera added.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 14 June 2025
  • Leave out the nasty heat and sticky humidity with an air conditioner that will work in a tent.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 12 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Schmaltz.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/schmaltz. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

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