Mawkish: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe something that is overly sentimental in a way that seems exaggerated or insincere.

• The movie was so mawkish that it made everyone in the theater roll their eyes.
• He wrote a mawkish letter to his ex-girlfriend, filled with clichés.

Used to describe something that appeals to the emotions, often by evoking nostalgia or memories.

• She kept the old letters for sentimental reasons.
• The film was beautifully sentimental and brought back memories of childhood.

Typically used to describe self-pitying or overly sentimental behavior, often with a negative connotation.

• After a few drinks, he became maudlin and started talking about his lost love.
• The film was so maudlin that it was hard to take seriously.

Used when referring to feelings that are intense or easily affected by situations.

• She gave an emotional speech about her struggles.
• He was very emotional after hearing the news.

Informal term often used to describe something excessively sentimental or cheesy, generally with a negative connotation.

• The TV show's plot was way too sappy for my taste.
• Why are all romantic comedies so sappy?