Sappiness: meaning, definitions and examples

This word describes an excessive or exaggerated emotion, often seen as insincere or over-the-top. It is generally used in a negative way.

• The movie was full of sappiness, making it hard to take the plot seriously.
• I couldn't finish the book because of its sappiness.

This word is used to describe an emotional appeal or display that might be seen as sincere or fitting, depending on the context. It may carry a mild negative implication if overdone.

• The film's sentimentality appealed to many viewers and brought them to tears.
• While some may find her sentimentality touching, others might see it as excessive.

This term refers to the excessive display or expression of emotions, often in situations where it might not be appropriate.

• Her emotionalism during the meeting was seen as unprofessional by many of her colleagues.
• Some people appreciate his emotionalism, but others find it overwhelming.

This word implies a cloying or excessively sentimental quality, and it has a strong negative connotation.

• The director's focus on mawkishness ruined what could have been a powerful scene.
• Critics often point out the mawkishness in his writing style.

Often used to describe overly sentimental and emotional content, particularly in literature, speeches, or films. This term is sometimes viewed negatively as it can imply excessive or unnecessary emotion.

• The movie was criticized for its sappiness and unrealistic love story.
• Her speech had a touch of sappiness, making some in the audience roll their eyes.

Generally positive and can describe pleasant and kind emotional characteristics, as well as enjoyable flavors. It doesn't carry the negative connotations that some of the other words do.

• Her sweetness made her very popular among her peers.
• The sweetness of the fruit was refreshing on a hot day.

Used to describe something extremely sweet, either in terms of taste or emotion. It can be positive or negative depending on the context but often leans toward a negative meaning when describing emotional content.

• The syrupiness of the pancake topping was perfect.
• The show was criticized for its syrupiness, which some viewers found overdone.

Refers to something so sweet or rich that it becomes disgusting or unbearable. It is almost always used in a negative context to describe both physical tastes and emotional experiences.

• The dessert's cloyingness made it impossible to finish.
• The novel's cloyingness turned off many readers, feeling the romance was forced and overly sweet.