What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sappy
Example
The movie was so sappy that I couldn't finish watching it. [sappy: adjective]
Example
She always cries at sappy movies. [sappy: adjective]
cloying
Example
The dessert was too cloying for my taste. [cloying: adjective]
Example
I had to break up with him because he was too cloying and needy. [cloying: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cloying is less common than sappy in everyday language. Sappy is often used to describe movies, stories, or people, while cloying is more commonly used to describe food or flavors.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sappy and cloying?
Both sappy and cloying are informal words that are used in casual conversations. However, cloying may be considered slightly more formal due to its association with food and flavors.