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 cloying sentimentality made me roll my eyes. [cloying: adjective]
saccharine
Example
The love song's saccharine lyrics made me cringe. [saccharine: adjective]
Example
The politician's saccharine smile didn't fool anyone. [saccharine: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Saccharine is more commonly used than cloying in everyday language. Saccharine is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while cloying is less common and refers to a specific type of excessive sweetness or richness.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cloying and saccharine?
Both cloying and saccharine are associated with a negative connotation and are typically used in informal or critical contexts. However, saccharine can also be used in a more neutral or descriptive way in formal contexts.
