as in sentimental
appealing to the emotions in an obvious and tiresome way
the cloying sentiments of so many Mother's Day cards
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Recent Examples of cloying
Bea McMonagle, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Pro tip: Mixing in a bit of salt to the pour brings out more of the fruit and spice notes and takes away some of the cloying sweetness, said Enright.
—Ryan Deto, Axios, 7 Apr. 2025
But the effort is just what Bri needed in order to restore her faith in their relationship — by morning, with cloying smiles stamped on their faces, Bravo’s most inoffensive couple is back on track.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 Apr. 2025
Future Disney Channel star Brandon Baker plays Mowgli, in a cloying, awkward performance that fits with the hacky sitcom writing.
—Josh Bell, Vulture, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cloying
Adjective
Vanilla fragrances reign during the winter months but March and April present with some challenges for gourmand lovers as the note can feel heavy and cloying in warmer weather.
—Bea McMonagle, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Pro tip: Mixing in a bit of salt to the pour brings out more of the fruit and spice notes and takes away some of the cloying sweetness, said Enright.
—Ryan Deto, Axios, 7 Apr. 2025
But the effort is just what Bri needed in order to restore her faith in their relationship — by morning, with cloying smiles stamped on their faces, Bravo’s most inoffensive couple is back on track.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 Apr. 2025
Future Disney Channel star Brandon Baker plays Mowgli, in a cloying, awkward performance that fits with the hacky sitcom writing.
—Josh Bell, Vulture, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cloying
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cloying
Adjective
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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
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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
Adjective
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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
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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
Verb
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Despite climbing home prices, mortgage rates have recently reported weeks of declines and inventory is growing in many parts of the country, alleviating the shortage of homes and forcing sellers to slash prices to attract still-cautious buyers.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
22 Mar. 2025
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But aside from a desire for revenge against Israel and remaining the primary power broker in Gaza, Hamas has consistently struggled to articulate an achievable long-term strategy for alleviating the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza.—
Mkhaimar Abusada,
The Conversation,
19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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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
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State police said the issue was overblown as an independent report for Gov. Ned Lamont’s administration stated that the controversy was largely a problem of sloppy record-keeping, mistakes, and lack of training — and not intentional misconduct.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
13 May 2025
Verb
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Archway Homes will buy the home and make the repairs needed, relieving the sellers of the hassle and expense.—
Archway Homes,
Kansas City Star,
5 Jan. 2025
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Xylitol may have other health benefits, including preventing ear and sinus infections, increasing bone density, and relieving constipation.—
Adrienne Dellwo,
Verywell Health,
5 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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When Herod enters, the music lurches between saccharine waltz episodes and spasms of Expressionistic anarchy—a fracturing of the lingua franca.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
19 May 2025
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While pastels can sometimes veer into juvenile territory, pale blue, when styled thoughtfully, reads as polished and sophisticated, not saccharine.—
Christina Holevas,
Vogue,
30 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cloying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cloying. Accessed 31 May. 2025.
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