saccharine

American  

[sak-er-in, -uh-reen, -uh-rahyn] / ˈsæk ər ɪn, -əˌrin, -əˌraɪn /

adjective

1. of the nature of or resembling that of sugar.

   a powdery substance with a saccharine taste.

2. containing or yielding sugar.

3. very sweet to the taste; sugary.

   a saccharine dessert.

4. cloyingly agreeable or ingratiating.

   a saccharine personality.

5. exaggeratedly sweet or sentimental.

   a saccharine smile; a saccharine song of undying love.

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saccharine British  

/ -ˌriːn, ˈsækəˌraɪn, ˌsækəˈrɪnɪtɪ /

adjective

1. excessively sweet; sugary

   a saccharine smile

2. of, relating to, of the nature of, or containing sugar or saccharin

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Other Word Forms

• nonsaccharine adjective
• nonsaccharinity noun
• saccharinely adverb
• saccharinity noun
• unsaccharine adjective

Etymology

Origin of saccharine

First recorded in 1665–75; sacchar- + -ine ¹

Example Sentences

Stories about friendships between animals must walk a fine line between the sweet and the saccharine.

From The Wall Street Journal

It seems as though I’m entirely unsure of who is sparking the titular reminders of this saccharine, ridiculous, and oh-so-delightful melodrama.

From Salon

Many parfaits tip into the saccharine — all sweetness, no tension.

From Salon

I think any “Rah-Rah Girl Power” space that doesn’t allow real room for that is kind of saccharine and thin.

From The Wall Street Journal

LinkedIn users will be familiar with the saccharine positivity of users explaining how their latest promotion or honor makes them feel humbled and grateful.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• cloying
• sentimental
• syrupy
• twee