overly sentimental crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on "overly sentimental"? You've come to the right place! Below you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your crossword puzzle.
Solutions for "overly sentimental crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
GUSHY: Expressing emotion in an effusive, often excessive way.
WEEPY: Easily given to tears; tearful.
7 Letters
MAUDLIN: Effusively or tearfully sentimental, often through drunkenness.
8 Letters
CORNBALL: Excessively sentimental or mawkish, often in a trite way.
9 Letters
SCHMALTZY: Excessively sentimental, especially in a cloying or melodramatic way.
More About "overly sentimental crossword clue"
"Overly sentimental" is a common crossword clue that often points to words describing a feeling or expression of emotion that is considered excessive, cloying, or even insincere. These terms typically carry a slightly negative connotation, implying that the sentiment is not genuinely felt to that degree, or that it's designed to evoke an unearned emotional response from others.
Understanding the nuances of these words is key to solving such clues. While "sentimental" itself can be a neutral or positive term, the addition of "overly" shifts the meaning significantly towards something saccharine, tearful, or melodramatic. Crossword constructors love these types of adjectives because they allow for a wide range of synonyms that fit various letter counts.
When you encounter this clue, think about words that describe emotional excess. Are they suggesting someone is easily moved to tears, or are they portraying a contrived display of affection? The context within the puzzle, particularly any given letters, will narrow down the possibilities among the many suitable answers.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For clues like "overly sentimental," pay close attention to the intensifier "overly." This often guides you to words with negative connotations or those implying excess, rather than simple synonyms for the base word.
- Check Letter Count First: Before brainstorming, identify the required letter count. This immediately filters out many possibilities and helps you focus on words of the correct length.
- Consider Common Crossword Synonyms: Many words appear repeatedly in crosswords due to their versatility. Words like MAUDLIN, GUSHY, and WEEPY are frequent visitors for sentimental or emotional clues. Keep a mental list of these regulars.
- Look at Intersecting Letters: The most crucial tip! Use any letters you've already filled in from intersecting clues to confirm or eliminate potential answers. Even one letter can often point you to the correct solution.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'overly sentimental' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'overly sentimental' often points to words describing excessive emotional expression, frequently to the point of being cloying, tearful, or insincere. Common synonyms like 'maudlin,' 'gushy,' or 'schmaltzy' are frequent answers for this type of clue.
Why do some crossword clues have multiple answers of the same length?
It's common for a single clue to have multiple valid answers, especially when synonyms or closely related terms exist for the concept. The correct answer in your specific puzzle depends on the intersecting letters from other clues you've already solved.
How can I improve my ability to solve 'overly sentimental' type clues?
To master 'overly sentimental' clues, familiarize yourself with a broad range of adjectives describing strong emotions, particularly those that imply excess, insincerity, or emotional manipulation. Expanding your vocabulary, especially with less common but precise synonyms, will significantly help.