Constance Wu

I do think there are some actors that can get away with trying to be funny, and they're still funny because they're just likeable, and you want to see them. Me, though, when you see me trying to be funny, it's like the worst thing in the world. It's needy, it's cloying, it's manipulative - it's bad.

American Actress

Claire Fox

European civil society and NGOs that petition for favours and influence for their special interests are often themselves funded from E.U. coffers. This creates a system of patronage that encourages self-reinforcing group-think and a cloying sycophancy.

British Writer

Ken Liu

I wanted to make my stories, which are inspired by Asian stories, into something fresh, decontextualized - to give them new life as a new kind of fantasy that isn't so cloying and exotic and strange.

American Writer

Jordana Spiro

I don't think you always get to see a woman on TV who is relatively neurosis-free and, while looking for a relationship, isn't man hunting and isn't cloying and isn't a fashionista.

Alice Walker

I believe you mother everybody, not in a cloying, hovering way, but taking care of what is around you.

American Author

Jacob Weisberg

Joe Lieberman can be cloying and sanctimonious.

American Journalist

Use 'cloying' to describe something overly sweet, like a taste or smell that is overbearing.

Excessive Sweetness

When saying 'cloying', it implies something negative, not just sweet.

Negative Connotation

'Cloying' often appears in creative writing or personal opinions, not in formal or academic contexts.

Avoid in Formal Writing

Use 'cloying' to express annoyance at exaggerated affection or unwelcome attention.

Disguised Annoyance

'Cloying' can be applied when someone's behavior is excessively sweet or ingratiating to the point of discomfort.

Emotional Overload

Sometimes 'cloying' is used sarcastically to mock something meant to be deep or meaningful.