Definition

Something that is excessively sweet or sentimental, often to the point of being unpleasant.

Example

The movie was so treacly that I couldn't take it seriously.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

Have you seen that new romantic movie everyone's talking about?

Yeah, I watched it last night. It was a bit too treacly for my taste.

I thought so too! The ending was just so overly sweet.

Exactly! I prefer films that feel more genuine and less treacly.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Treacly is derived from the word 'treacle' (from Old French *tracle*, meaning a medicinal syrup) combined with the suffix '-y' (meaning characterized by). The word 'treacly' describes something that is syrupy or overly sweet, often in a figurative sense.

Memory Tip

Think of 'treacle' as a thick, sweet syrup, and remember that 'treacly' means something that is characterized by being overly sweet or syrupy.

Visually Confused Words