SCHMALTZY Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

schmaltzy

adjective

Definition of schmaltzy

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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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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for schmaltzy

Adjective

Zendaya’s mom rang in the actress’s 30th birthday with a sentimental Instagram post.

— Hannah Malach, InStyle, 2 Sep. 2026
Caregiving is hard work Caregiving for an aging parent is not sentimental.

— Jim King, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of sentimental

Adjective

But a 17-point win masked how off-kilter and sloppy the offense looked against the overmatched Huskies.

— John Talty, Vanity Fair, 2 Sep. 2026
Vaughn Grissom drove in four runs, rookie Walbert Ureña pitched seven strong innings and the Los Angeles Angels ended a seven-game losing streak with a 10-1 victory over the sloppy New York Yankees on Monday night.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of sloppy

Adjective

What comes then isn’t relief or a release but a promise that these characters and their circumstances will remain sticky in your mind.

— Tembe Denton-Hurst, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
Without ventilation, those particles settle on nearby surfaces like cabinets, walls, and countertops, creating a sticky film that builds up over time.

— Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of sticky

Browse Nearby Words

schmaltz

schmaltzy

schmear

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“Schmaltzy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/schmaltzy. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of schmaltzy

adjective

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