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
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 New Girl can often turn in some schmaltz among the comedy, and what better time to do it than Christmas? Marianne Eloise, Vulture, 11 Dec. 2024 In a separate bowl, mix the eggs and melted schmaltz or vegetablee oil. Kathryn Gregory, The Courier-Journal, 9 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for schmaltz
Recent Examples of Synonyms for schmaltz
Noun
  • Pacific Palisades experienced a major intersection submerged in three feet of sludge, and roads near the Eaton Fire burn scar were overtaken by several feet of mud, trees, and vegetation.
    David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
  • However, trade classification is not the only contributor to trade sludge.
    Steve Banker, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Whether preserving the original design (like Adrienne Bailon in 2019) or creatively recycling it (as Troian Bellisario did at the 2020 Golden Globes), these sentimental pieces are finding new life.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 17 May 2025
  • While the highlight of the weekend is usually the Dragon Boat Races — which have drawn competitors and crowds since 1991 — the sentimental favorite is the water lantern release onto the lake.
    Edwin Goei, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • The song structures melt into goo; the lyrics pelt flecks of raw feeling.
    Pitchfork, Pitchfork, 3 Dec. 2024
  • When the fish are brought to the surface, however, the comparative lack of pressure causes their bodies to collapse into shapeless puddles of goo.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Sinner won a bizarre semifinal in his first tournament back from a three-month doping ban, while Alcaraz triumphed in a sloppy duel.
    Sam Settleman, New York Times, 17 May 2025
  • Denver defeated Gang Green 10-9 last season in a rainy, sloppy affair at MetLife Stadium.
    Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • The reviews and social conversation were becoming apparent that this had inserted itself into the culture in a really sticky way.
    Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2025
  • As the Southern heat creeps up more and more, putting together an outfit that’s stylish but doesn’t leave you drenched in sweat or sticky from humidity can be a challenge.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 21 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Schmaltz.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/schmaltz. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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