What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cloying
Example
The dessert was so cloying that I couldn't finish it. [cloying: adjective]
Example
The movie's plot was filled with cloying romantic clichés. [cloying: adjective]
overpowering
Example
The scent of the flowers was overpowering in the small room. [overpowering: adjective]
Example
The noise from the construction site was overpowering and made it hard to concentrate. [overpowering: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Overpowering is more commonly used than cloying in everyday language. Overpowering is versatile and can be applied to various situations, while cloying is less common and more specific to describing tastes, smells, or sentiments.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cloying and overpowering?
Both cloying and overpowering can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, cloying may be perceived as slightly more informal due to its association with food and emotions, while overpowering can be used in a wider range of formality levels.
