as in sloppy
appealing to the emotions in an obvious and tiresome way
a sentimental story about unrequited love
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sentimental
For his groom's look, Will chose a traditional black tuxedo, custom-made by Michael Andrews, and added some sentimental accessories.
—
Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 27 Jan. 2026
The chants not only evoke the success Chelsea used to enjoy, which was of a greater prestige than last year’s triumphs in the Club World Cup and Conference League under his successors, but also an ownership style most fans, not just those of Chelsea, are sentimental about.
—James Horncastle, New York Times, 27 Jan. 2026
Often referred to as micro collections in the design world, these sentimental pieces can center around a specific style or period of art, an animal motif, a hobby, whimsical antiques — anything that brings the homeowner delight.
—Ryan Conner, Dallas Morning News, 26 Jan. 2026
Days before Wynette died in 1998, Georgette said her mother had been sentimental about her ex-husband George.
—Daysia Tolentino, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sentimental
Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 27 Jan. 2026
The chants not only evoke the success Chelsea used to enjoy, which was of a greater prestige than last year’s triumphs in the Club World Cup and Conference League under his successors, but also an ownership style most fans, not just those of Chelsea, are sentimental about.
—James Horncastle, New York Times, 27 Jan. 2026
Often referred to as micro collections in the design world, these sentimental pieces can center around a specific style or period of art, an animal motif, a hobby, whimsical antiques — anything that brings the homeowner delight.
—Ryan Conner, Dallas Morning News, 26 Jan. 2026
Days before Wynette died in 1998, Georgette said her mother had been sentimental about her ex-husband George.
—Daysia Tolentino, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sentimental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sentimental
Adjective
-
As the most populous and sprawling county in the state, Fulton has often been tagged by Republicans as the bad egg among elections offices for its past record of long lines, late returns and sloppy bookkeeping.—
Patricia Murphy,
AJC.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Officials say the scammers' schemes range from the savvy to the sloppy -- and all are brazen.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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From a nervous system perspective, this makes the pattern especially sticky.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
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The formula melts into the skin in seconds and doesn’t feel sticky or heavy.—
Alyssa Grabinski,
PEOPLE,
25 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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After a mawkish beginning, the play somewhat redeems itself through earned emotions and an ambiguous ending that begs discussion.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
14 June 2025
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Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi, jailed and banned frequently, has never allowed his work to get mawkish.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
24 May 2025
Adjective
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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
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Its almost schmaltzy final notes are a brilliant companion to Coppola’s unforgettable ending.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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He’s also invested his protagonist with a self-deprecating sense of humor that keeps his pessimism from veering into maudlin territory.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Dec. 2025
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His inability to make hard decisions or abstain from becoming a maudlin, clingy drunk had transformed me from his girlfriend and lover into his mother and disciplinarian.—
Julia Ioffe,
New Yorker,
19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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This was so much sappier than anticipated.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
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Alphabet joined Fidelity Investments in a $1 billion funding round in 2015 in exchange for what was then a 10% stake in SpaceX. Christmas kitsch boom Connecticut is cashing in on its role in sappy Christmas movies.—
Diane Brady,
Fortune,
15 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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While most vanilla scents wear sugary on my skin, Dave’s blend of tonka bean, cocoa shell, and neroli create an elevated, complex take on the typically saccharine profile.—
Sophie Wirt,
InStyle,
28 Jan. 2026
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Channel childhood nostalgia with this 100% cotton bed skirt, featuring a rosy stripe that’s sweet but not saccharine.—
Shoko Wanger,
Architectural Digest,
20 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Besides, within the worlds of both education and employment, guidelines as to what’s acceptable use of AI and what’s not tend to be fuzzy, if defined at all.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Jan. 2026
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Punxsutawney Phil scored third from the bottom, ranking 17 out of 19 other cute and fuzzy rodents.—
Katie Wiseman,
IndyStar,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sentimental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sentimental. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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