cloying 1 of 2

adjective

ˈklȯi-iŋ How to pronounce cloying (audio)
Definition of cloyingnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

cloying

2 of 2

verb

present participle of cloy
as in saturating

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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
Adjective
Unfortunately, everything else in this misadventure, from annoying love interests to cloying sidekicks, is a minecart going off the rails. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 13 June 2026 Honey scent does not have to read as cloying, even on hot days. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2026 Only at the start of April do these flowers begin to unfurl in delicate clusters, their petals heavy with dew and a sweet, cloying scent. — Amelia Dhuga, Vogue, 25 May 2026 And also very joyous without being sentimental or cloying. — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for cloying
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cloying
  1. sentimental
  2. saturating
  3. sticky
  4. alleviating
  5. sloppy
  6. relieving
  7. saccharine
Adjective
  • At times, Marianne’s second-act emotional breakdown feels siloed from the rest of the picture, but the strands coalesce beautifully in an emotionally overwhelming finale that’s tearjerking, but never manipulative or overly sentimental.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Mariachi is very sentimental, while banda brings the party and total chaos.
    — Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of sentimental
Verb
  • Hazardous floods could occur if back-to-back storms dump heavy rains over several days, saturating the soil in the mountains and filling reservoirs.
    — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Fortunately, labels both affordable and luxury are coming out with new takes on this trend like clockwork, saturating the market with colorful jackets for every personal aesthetic and practical need under the sun (or, more accurately, the rain).
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of saturating
Adjective
  • The spike in core CPI shows price pressures are broadening into other categories beyond energy, experts noted, a sign inflation remains sticky.
    — Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • With inflation remaining sticky, the central bank may need to raise rates higher and keep them there for longer in 2027, said Christopher Rupkey, chief economist at Fwdbonds.
    — Michelle Fox,Sean Conlon,Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of sticky
Verb
  • These turnovers also set up touchdowns, alleviating the pent-up stress of the first half.
    — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Fostering gives cats a temporary home on the way to adoption, alleviating stress on shelters and, in some instances, saving cats’ lives.
    — Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of alleviating
Adjective
  • Two innings later, the Dodgers took the lead again, rewarded for hard contact as the Brewers’ defense showed its first signs of sloppy play.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The pair seemed prepared and methodical—not sloppy carousers but people with a plan.
    — Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of sloppy
Verb
  • The suddenness of it all was terrifying, even paralyzing, and yet, at the same time, oddly relieving.
    — Andrew Lipstein, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Haldea noted that dividend recaps provide liquidity, relieving the pressure to sell without ultimately resolving the valuation gap.
    — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of relieving
Adjective
  • Congenitally optimistic without being saccharine, Paul Baker was, in Season 2, the nexus of a love triangle in which his character felt torn between his girlfriend, Rao’s Issa, and his husband, Thiele’s Anton.
    — Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The fan art features moody Ivy League backdrops with bunny ears, heavy tomes, blood-red candles and saccharine doll-like fashion.
    — Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of saccharine

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Cite this Entry

“Cloying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cloying. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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