Definition

To become overly rich or sweet, to the point that it is unpleasant or tiresome.

Example

The dessert was so sweet that it began to cloy after just a few bites.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I tried that new dessert place yesterday, and it was so rich!

Oh really? Did you find it too cloying?

Definitely! I could only eat a few bites before it became overwhelming.

Sounds delicious but maybe too much for one sitting.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To make someone feel sick or tired by giving them too much of something that is sweet or rich.

Example

The dessert was so rich that it began to cloy after just a few bites.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I tried that new chocolate cake, and it was so rich!

Really? I love chocolate cake, but sometimes it can cloy if it’s too sweet.

Exactly! I could barely finish it because it felt overwhelming after a while.

Root Explanation

Cloy → The word 'cloy' originates from the Middle English 'cloyen', which is derived from the Old French 'cloier', meaning to close or to shut. The term originally referred to the act of filling or overindulging to the point of being sickened or disgusted, as if something is being closed off or overwhelmed.

Memory Tip

Imagine something that is so sweet or rich that it makes you feel 'closed off' from enjoyment — that's why 'cloy' means to overindulge to the point of disgust.

Visually Confused Words