as in sentimental
appealing to the emotions in an obvious and tiresome way
a schmaltzy television commercial featuring a photogenic, perfect family
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Recent Examples of schmaltzy
In the way that Harrison looks to the Bible for models of relationships and drama, Cappa’s Haha, You Clowns looks to schmaltzy sitcoms and after school specials.
—
James Folta, Literary Hub, 18 Dec. 2025
Its almost schmaltzy final notes are a brilliant companion to Coppola’s unforgettable ending.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 20 Aug. 2025
James Folta, Literary Hub, 18 Dec. 2025
Its almost schmaltzy final notes are a brilliant companion to Coppola’s unforgettable ending.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 20 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for schmaltzy
Adjective
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Her new album, La Dame, unites slower and more sentimental shatta ballads with the thumping dancefloor heaters that first drew me to her music.—
Anna Gaca,
Pitchfork,
13 Jan. 2026
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In December 2025, Bündchen reflected on how her baby boy's birth changed her life in a sentimental Instagram post.—
Yasmeen Hamadeh,
PEOPLE,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The crewneck sweater with button details and batwing sleeves creates an oversized fit that feels effortless without looking sloppy.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Jan. 2026
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The win snapped a two-game losing streak for Joe Mazzulla’s squad, which looked sluggish and sloppy for much of the night.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
16 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Cramer said strong signs from forwarding holiday spending suggest inflation may remain sticky, setting up tension between a president eager to contain prices and consumers who have borne the brunt of inflation.—
Luke Fountain,
CNBC,
10 Jan. 2026
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To keep a tension rod from slipping, look for rods that have rubber stoppers on the ends or that come with sticky wall brackets.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Schmaltzy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/schmaltzy. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.
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