Syrupy: meaning, definitions and examples

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syrupy

[ˈsɪrəpi ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

sweet dessert

Having the consistency of syrup; thick, sticky, and sweet.

Synonyms

sticky, sweet, viscous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
syrupy	Used similarly to 'syrupy,' this word describes a liquid that is thick and sweet. It's particularly relevant in food contexts, like drinks or sauces. Using it twice was an instruction mistake. The syrupy sauce added a rich flavor to the dish. Her laughter was syrupy, filled with affection.
sticky	This word is used to describe something that has an adhesive quality and can feel tacky to touch. It's often used in a variety of contexts, such as describing food, substances, or even weather. The dough is too sticky to work with right now. The weather was so hot and sticky that it felt uncomfortable.
viscous	This term is used more scientifically or technically to describe a thick and sticky consistency of a liquid. It often appears in industrial, culinary, or scientific contexts. The oil had become so viscous that it was hard to pour. Honey is a naturally viscous substance.
sweet	Sweet is most commonly used to describe a pleasant sugary taste. It can also refer to a kind or gentle personality. The tone is generally positive. The dessert was incredibly sweet and delicious. He is such a sweet person, always helping others.

Examples of usage

The pancakes were drowned in syrupy goodness.
The cake was topped with a syrupy glaze.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

sentiment or language

Excessively sentimental or emotional, often to the point of being insincere.

Synonyms

cloying, mawkish, sentimental.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
syrupy	Describes something that is excessively sweet, often in a way that feels thick or heavy, like syrup. Commonly used for food, drinks, or descriptions of overly sweet emotions. The syrupy taste of the dessert was overwhelming. Her syrupy voice made everything she said sound insincere.
sentimental	Relates to strong nostalgic or emotional feelings. It can be positive or neutral but sometimes carries a slight implication of being overly emotional. She kept the old letters for sentimental reasons. The book's sentimental ending brought tears to my eyes.
mawkish	Describes an overly sentimental or emotional manner that often comes across as exaggerated and insincere. This term has a negative connotation. The movie was so mawkish that I couldn't take it seriously. His mawkish apology only made things worse.
cloying	Refers to something that is so sweet or rich that it becomes unpleasant or overwhelming. Used to describe both literal and emotional experiences. The cloying smell of the perfume gave me a headache. Their cloying affection was hard to watch.

Examples of usage

The movie's syrupy dialogue made the audience cringe.
His syrupy compliments were hard to believe.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'syrupy' originated from 'syrup', which comes from the Arabic 'šarāb', meaning 'a drink'.
It entered the English language in the late 14th century, evolving from a direct reference to liquids made from sugar and water.
The suffix '-y' indicates a quality of being like syrup, which connects the word directly to its origin.

Culinary Uses

Syrupy substances are often used in desserts and sauces to enhance flavor and add sweetness.
In cooking, a syrup can be used to moisten baked goods or as a base for cocktails, creating a rich texture.
Different types of syrups are made from varied ingredients, like maple syrup from maple trees or corn syrup from corn.

Pop Culture

The term is often used in music reviews to describe songs that are overly sentimental or sweet.
Television shows may describe characters who are overly friendly or kind as 'syrupy' when they seem insincere.
In literature, a 'syrupy' style can refer to writing that is excessively sentimental, creating a strong emotional reaction from readers.

Psychological Perspective

In psychological terms, a 'syrupy' tone in communication may create feelings of warmth but can also lead to skepticism if perceived as insincere.
Sweetness in language can influence people's mood and perception, making interactions feel more pleasant.
Syrupy expressions in writing or speech can evoke emotional responses, sometimes as a strategy to engage the audience more deeply.

Natural Science

Syrupy textures can indicate high sugar concentration; for example, honey is naturally syrupy due to its high fructose and glucose content.
Viscosity is a key property in fluids, and syrupy substances have high viscosity, which means they flow slowly compared to water.
In botany, plants produce syrupy substances as part of their nectar, which attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Translations

Translations of the word "syrupy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 xaroposo

🇮🇳 शरबत जैसा

🇩🇪 sirupartig

🇮🇩 seperti sirup

🇺🇦 сиропоподібний

🇵🇱 syropowaty

🇯🇵 シロップ状

🇫🇷 sirupeux

🇪🇸 almibarado

🇹🇷 şuruplu

🇰🇷 시럽 같은

🇸🇦 شرابي

🇨🇿 sirupovitý

🇸🇰 sirupovitý

🇨🇳 糖浆状的

🇸🇮 sirupast

🇮🇸 sýrópaður

🇰🇿 шырын тәрізді

🇬🇪 სიროფის მსგავსი

🇦🇿 şərbət kimi

🇲🇽 almibarado

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,686, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
29683 littering
29684 winsome
29685 tribalism
29686 syrupy
29687 curare
29688 wiggling
29689 glutton
...