Definitions
- Describing something that is excessively sweet or sentimental. - Referring to a situation or behavior that becomes tiresome or overwhelming due to its excessive nature. - Talking about a person or thing that is overly ingratiating or insincere.
- Describing something that is overly sentimental or emotional in a way that seems insincere or contrived. - Referring to a situation or behavior that is excessively sentimental or maudlin. - Talking about a person or thing that is excessively sentimental or emotional in a way that is unappealing or off-putting.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe something that is excessively sentimental or emotional.
- 2Both words have negative connotations.
- 3Both words can be used to describe behavior or situations that are off-putting or unappealing.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Cloying is more commonly used to describe something that is excessively sweet or ingratiating, while mawkish is more commonly used to describe something that is overly sentimental or emotional in a way that seems insincere or contrived.
- 2Tone: Cloying has a more negative connotation than mawkish, which can sometimes be used in a more neutral or even positive context.
- 3Intensity: Mawkish is often considered more intense than cloying, as it implies a level of insincerity or contrivance that is not always present in cloying.
Remember this!
Cloying and mawkish are synonyms that both describe something that is excessively sentimental or emotional. However, cloying is more commonly used to describe something that is excessively sweet or ingratiating, while mawkish is more commonly used to describe something that is overly sentimental or emotional in a way that seems insincere or contrived. Cloying has a more negative connotation than mawkish, which can sometimes be used in a more neutral or even positive context.
