Cloying

Cloying describes an excessively sweet or rich quality that can induce feelings of discomfort or nausea, often used to characterize tastes, scents, or emotions that overwhelm the senses. It suggests something that, when experienced in excess, becomes insufferable or overly sentimental. Typically used in a negative context, cloying can apply to food, expressions of affection, or overly sentimental narratives that lack subtlety or restraint, leaving a disagreeable, sticky residue rather than a pleasant experience.

Cloying meaning with examples

• The dessert was so cloying that I could only take a few bites before I felt overwhelmed by the sweetness. While I usually enjoy rich chocolate cakes, this one had been drizzled with a syrup that was far too sugary. Instead of delighting in the creamy chocolate layers, I found myself scraping my plate and wishing for something light and refreshing to cleanse my palate, illustrating how even the sweetest things can become off-putting when taken too far.
• While the film's romantic theme initially captivated me, by the end, the cloying dialogue and excessive expressions of love made it unbearable. The characters' declarations became so syrupy and unrealistic that I found myself rolling my eyes rather than swooning at their grand gestures. What was meant to be a heartfelt story of connection turned into an exaggerated display that lost its charm and ultimately left me longing for a more grounded and relatable narrative.
• After all the festive decorations were put up for the holidays, I couldn't help but feel that the cloying atmosphere was too much. The bright, glittering lights, along with the overpowering scent of pine and cinnamon, created an environment that felt choked with cheer rather than inviting. Instead of delighting in the holiday spirit, I found myself yearning for a quieter, more subdued space where I could enjoy the season without being bombarded by overwhelming stimuli.
• As I listened to my friend's endless recounting of her recent vacation, I couldn't help but feel that her cloying enthusiasm was more than I could bear. Each detail was laced with such exaggerated pleasure that it became tiresome to listen to, making it difficult for me to engage in the conversation. While I appreciate a good travel story, her over-the-top excitement began to feel insipid rather than inspiring, prompting me to change the subject to something lighter.