SCHMALTZY Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

schmaltzy

adjective

Definition of schmaltzy

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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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 schmaltzy Albini doesn’t dress up those songs with any schmaltzy production or studio tricks. — David Harris, SPIN, 11 June 2026 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 This chicken was juicy, tenderly shreddable and doused in a schmaltzy sauce, an emulsion of chicken fat and stock, landing somewhere in between chicken gravy and milky oxtail broth. — Cesar Hernandez, San Francisco Chronicle, 1 July 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for schmaltzy

Adjective

At times, Marianne’s second-act emotional breakdown feels siloed from the rest of the picture, but the strands coalesce beautifully in an emotionally overwhelming finale that’s tearjerking, but never manipulative or overly sentimental.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 13 Oct. 2026
Mariachi is very sentimental, while banda brings the party and total chaos.

— Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of sentimental

Adjective

Two innings later, the Dodgers took the lead again, rewarded for hard contact as the Brewers’ defense showed its first signs of sloppy play.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
The pair seemed prepared and methodical—not sloppy carousers but people with a plan.

— Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of sloppy

Adjective

The spike in core CPI shows price pressures are broadening into other categories beyond energy, experts noted, a sign inflation remains sticky.

— Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
With inflation remaining sticky, the central bank may need to raise rates higher and keep them there for longer in 2027, said Christopher Rupkey, chief economist at Fwdbonds.

— Michelle Fox,Sean Conlon,Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of sticky

Browse Nearby Words

schmaltz

schmaltzy

schmear

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“Schmaltzy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/schmaltzy. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of schmaltzy

adjective

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