saccharine
excessively sentimental / cloying / artificial sweet
Adjective
This term carries a strong negative connotation when used to describe emotions or artistic works. It suggests a cloying, forced sweetness that lacks genuine depth, often evoking a sense of irritation or distrust in the observer. In a chemical or culinary sense, it refers specifically to the taste of artificial sweeteners. This literal meaning is the foundation for the figurative sense, where the "sweetness" becomes an overwhelming, synthetic quality that feels unnatural.
Meanings
Adjective
[~ something]
Excessively sweet or sentimental in a way that feels fake or exaggerated.
"The movie's ending was so saccharine that it felt unrealistic."
Adjective
[~ something]
Tasting of or containing saccharin, a chemical sugar substitute.
"The artificial sweetener gave the coffee a saccharine aftertaste."