saccharine

adjective

ˈsa-k(ə-)rən How to pronounce saccharine (audio)
Definition of saccharinenext
as in sentimental
appealing to the emotions in an obvious and tiresome way the movie was funny, but it had a saccharine ending in which everyone lives happily ever after

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 saccharine At most points in American history, these would have read as pretty anodyne, even saccharine. — Bill McKibben, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026 Salinger, then seventy-six, seemed to think his assessment of his alma mater had been too saccharine. — Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026 This perfume combines the quintessential summer fruit with tonka bean, florals, plum nectar, and apple blossom for a truly memorable, sweet but not overly saccharine finish. — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 5 Aug. 2026 Overdo it, and your recipe becomes too saccharine. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for saccharine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for saccharine
  1. sentimental
  2. sticky
  3. sloppy
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
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
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

Browse Nearby Words

saboteurs
saccharine
saccharinity
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Saccharine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/saccharine. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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