Definition

In a way that is overly sweet or rich, often to the point of being unpleasant.

Example

The dessert was cloyingly sweet, making it hard to enjoy after a few bites.

Conversation

Have you tried that new dessert place in town?

Yeah, I went there last week, but their cakes were a bit cloyingly sweet for my taste.

I heard the chocolate cake is really popular, but I guess I should be careful with it.

Definitely! Maybe their fruit tarts are a better option for something less cloyingly sweet.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cloyingly → It is formed from "cloy" (from Middle English *cloyen*, meaning to satiate or to fill) and the suffix "-ingly" (meaning in a manner that). The word "cloyingly" describes something that is excessively sweet or rich to the point of being sickening.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is so sweet or rich that it 'fills' you up ('cloy') in a way that is overwhelming — that's why cloyingly means excessively sweet.

Visually Confused Words