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
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
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 its deepest level, this work is fueled by unconditional love—not sentimental or passive love but love as discipline, courage and commitment.
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The Freakier Friday star also reflected on turning 40 in a sentimental Instagram post.
Adjective
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England looked disjointed and sloppy for much of the first half, while Congo was bright and creative with the ball and held England at bay defensively.
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The regulars were middle-aged men who routinely drank five or six cocktails after work and were only rarely sloppy.
Adjective
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Through the risk of lightning, sticky humidity and a winding line filled with thousands of chanting fans, Argentine fans flooded Bayfront Park with a sea of blue jerseys.
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Smoke uncovered for an additional 30–45 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize into a sticky, lacquered finish.
Cite this Entry
“Schmaltzy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/schmaltzy. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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