Cloying

/ˈklɔɪ.ɪŋ/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

excessively sweet, rich, or sentimental to the point of being distasteful.

The cloying scent of artificial vanilla filled the bakery, overpowering the more subtle aromas of fresh bread.

causing disgust or aversion through being too sentimental or sweet.

The movie was so cloying in its portrayal of love that it felt unrealistic and forced.

having a quality that is overly charming or ingratiating, leading to annoyance.

His cloying compliments made everyone around him roll their eyes.

sickly sweet, often to the point of nausea.

I couldn't finish the dessert; its cloying sweetness made me feel ill.

tending to induce boredom or disgust through excessive sentimentality.

The cloying nature of the poetry made it difficult for me to appreciate the beauty in the words.

From the verb 'cloy', which comes from the Middle English 'cloyen', originally from Old French 'cloer'.

cloying sweetness

A type of sweetness that is excessively rich and unappealing.

cloying sentimentality

Excessive emotional appeal that can feel insincere.

cloy

To cause distaste through excessive sweetness or richness.

syrupy

Extreme sweetness or overly sentimental.

Too sweet for comfort.

That song is so cloying, I can't listen to it.

Overly emotional in a cheesy way.

His cloying pickup lines never work.