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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One of the newest bands on the Street Mob roster, the quartet has stood out for its smoother, more sentimental approach to música mexicana — and for the wildly likable onstage presence of singer and frontman Gustavo Raya-García.—
Julyssa Lopez,
Rolling Stone,
14 Mar. 2026
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Exceptions To My Closet Clean-Out Rule The only exceptions to my rule are extremely sentimental and/or dressy pieces.—
Mary Shannon Wells,
Southern Living,
14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Then, just to flub any chance for enjoying some dumb fun with a skilled cast hamming it up, the sloppy story grinds the all-too-predictable, all-too-lame whodunit to a halt, as well.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
18 Mar. 2026
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In other cases, victims have slammed the department for sloppy redactions that revealed their sensitive information.—
Alanna Durkin Richer,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The formula isn’t sticky or tacky.—
Catharine Malzahn,
Glamour,
18 Mar. 2026
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Back then, gaming gear meant a sticky controller with a frayed wire and a TV that hummed louder than the game itself.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
17 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Schmaltzy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/schmaltzy. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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