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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cloying
Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025
The fragrance is sweet yet refined, never cloying or childish.
—Danielle James, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for cloying
Adjective
The persistent and cloying underscoring does not; the music exists to gin up emotions that aren’t earned.
—Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025
The fragrance is sweet yet refined, never cloying or childish.
—Danielle James, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for cloying
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cloying
Adjective
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As school years around the country wind down, many students have been paying tribute to their own Miss Honey-esque teachers on TikTok, using the voiceover and the sentimental music that goes with it to introduce educators who made a difference in their lives each year.—
Kate Hogan,
People.com,
6 June 2025
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One user posted a sentimental goodbye to their standard matcha latte cream top order at Maru.—
Lauren Ng,
Los Angeles Times,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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Neanderthals made and used wooden spears, cared for their fellow community members, made sticky tar and other adhesives, and butchered massive elephants, among other feats.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
2 June 2025
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The unique gel texture sets into a lightweight veil that feels comfortable and stays put, so there’s no pillow staining or sticky residue.—
Marie Lodi,
Allure,
2 June 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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There were loud boos at half-time, a smattering in the closing minutes and a few more at the final whistle as England played without any real intensity, were sloppy in possession and struggled to break down a team more than happy to sit everyone behind the ball.—
Dan Sheldon,
New York Times,
8 June 2025
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Though her level of play has vacillated between sharp and sloppy throughout the tournament, Gauff was mostly dialed in against Boisson, who captivated the Parisian crowds in recent days.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
7 June 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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There is always the wide-brim sun hat, which brings a real level of drama and panache to every occasion—and can be subverted from its saccharine ways—just look at how Alessandro Michele paired his at Valentino with a pair of groovy trousers and an opulent cropped jacket on the runway.—
Laia Garcia-Furtado,
Vogue,
5 June 2025
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Despite that high percentage of rye, this bourbon reads as quite sweet on the palate—never saccharine, to be clear, but pleasantly so with notes of vanilla, flamed custard, maple, brown sugar, and milk and dark chocolate.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
1 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cloying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cloying. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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