Cloying

usgb/ˈklɔɪɪŋ/
adjective

Too sweet, rich, or sentimental to the point of being disgusting or causing distaste.

The dessert had a cloying sweetness that made it hard to finish.
Visual representation of "cloying" - Too sweet, rich, or sentimental to the point of being disgusting or causing distaste.

Often appears as...

  • cloying sweetness
  • cloying scent
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "cloying"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Excessive Sweetness

Use 'cloying' to describe something overly sweet, like a taste or smell that is overbearing.

Illustration for Excessive Sweetness
The air was filled with the cloying aroma of cotton candy at the fair.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Negative Connotation

When saying 'cloying', it implies something negative, not just sweet.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
She wore a cloying perfume that left me with a headache.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Avoid in Formal Writing

'Cloying' often appears in creative writing or personal opinions, not in formal or academic contexts.

Illustration for Avoid in Formal Writing
His love letter was so cloying it felt embarrassing to read.
Visual representation of the word "Cloying"

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