as in sentimental
appealing to the emotions in an obvious and tiresome way
the cloying sentiments of so many Mother's Day cards
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of cloying
Sarah Hoffmann, Allure, 5 Dec. 2024
But Connie's adorable son Timmy (Gordon Gebert), who manages to be cute but not cloying, practically runs away with the whole thing.
—James Mercadante, EW.com, 14 Dec. 2024
Not cloying, but clearly designed to be inoffensive: who would, after all, wish these boys, this family, this community, any harm?
—Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 6 Dec. 2024
The first sensations are textural, soft and slick but not cloying, with occasional crunch.
—Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 5 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cloying 
Adjective
Undeniably yummy, borderline mouth-watering, but never cloying.
—Sarah Hoffmann, Allure, 5 Dec. 2024
But Connie's adorable son Timmy (Gordon Gebert), who manages to be cute but not cloying, practically runs away with the whole thing.
—James Mercadante, EW.com, 14 Dec. 2024
Not cloying, but clearly designed to be inoffensive: who would, after all, wish these boys, this family, this community, any harm?
—Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 6 Dec. 2024
The first sensations are textural, soft and slick but not cloying, with occasional crunch.
—Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 5 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cloying
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cloying
Adjective
-
Their love story adds a sentimental layer that, in competing for narrative space, dilutes this send-up of American imperialism.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
The Hollywood Reporter,
26 Jan. 2025
-
YouTube videos may offer sentimental types and younger curiosity seekers a means to luxuriate in the Old Way of Doing Things, but only a maniac would truly want to go back to that era.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
The sticky oil can be applied directly to the belly and over right side of the abdomen, but holistic health enthusiasts like to soak a piece of cotton or flannel and apply heat for more intense delivery.—
Jessica Ourisman,
Forbes,
18 Jan. 2025
-
Like other Thai cities, Chiang Rai boasts its fair share of markets and night bazaars, where visitors can browse Thai handicrafts and sample khao soi (a curry noodle soup that’s a northern specialty) and mango sticky rice at their own pace.—
Tanvi Chheda,
AFAR Media,
17 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Research — a survey of 109 CEOs of major Canadian organizations, complemented by in-depth qualitative interviews with 46 of them — suggests six strategies for alleviating loneliness that leaders can employ.—
Alaric Bourgoin,
Sarah L. Wright,
Jean-François Harvey,
Saouré Kouamé,
Harvard Business Review,
23 Dec. 2024
-
Much of this latest round of donations went to organizations focused on alleviating poverty, Scott wrote in a blog post on Wednesday.—
Tom Huddleston Jr.,
CNBC,
20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
The fabric is breathable and lightweight without feeling thin or flimsy and the fit is slightly oversized, which gives it a relaxed and casual look that isn’t sloppy.—
Megan Schaltegger,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Jan. 2025
-
In the week leading up to Donald Trump’s inauguration, a brief but sloppy food fight broke out between the Trump team and the outgoing Biden administration over who deserves credit for finalizing a cease-fire deal in the Gaza Strip.—
Noah Rothman,
National Review,
24 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
But today, the saccharine days of corn sweeteners, like those produced by ADM, may be under siege.—
Mark Dent,
thehustle.co,
10 Jan. 2025
-
There’s a lot of whimsy, but the cuteness is intertwined with tough stuff, too difficult to be saccharine.—
Caitlin Lovinger,
New York Times,
14 Dec. 2024
Articles Related to cloying
Thesaurus Entries Near cloying
Cite this Entry
“Cloying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cloying. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share