adjective

saccharine

SAK-uh-rin

Saccharine (adjective) means Sentimental in an exaggerated, sickly way that feels insincere. Example: “The film ends on a saccharine note that undoes everything before it.”

adjective

Sentimental in an exaggerated, sickly way that feels insincere.

"The film ends on a saccharine note that undoes everything before it."

"She sent a saccharine card full of things she plainly did not mean."

Very sweet, or containing sugar.

"The dessert wine was almost undrinkably saccharine."

How to Use Saccharine

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSo sweet or soppy that it feels fake.

When to use it

Critical; common in reviews and cultural criticism.

Memory tip

The final syllable is usually said -rin, not -rine, despite the spelling.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

saccharin sacchariferous syrupy

Common pairings

saccharine sentimentality saccharine smile saccharine ballad

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The film ends on a _____ note that undoes everything before it.

Etymology

Via Latin saccharum from Greek sakkharon "sugar", ultimately from Sanskrit sarkara.

Origin: Greek

Synonyms

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cloying mawkish sickly schmaltzy twee sugary sweet

Antonyms

understated astringent bracing bitter dry tart

Related Words

good girl nice Christian sweet fresh ill excellent

Rhymes for saccharine

nine mine wine line sine dine fine vine pine tine thine shine

See all rhymes for saccharine →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between saccharine and saccharin?

Saccharin, with no final e, is a noun: the artificial sweetener used in tablets and diet drinks. Saccharine, with the e, is an adjective meaning sickly sweet or overly sentimental. The e turns the sweetener into a judgement.

Is saccharine always an insult?

Almost always. Even in the literal sense of very sweet it implies too much, and applied to writing, music or manners it means the sentiment is laid on so thickly that it stops being believable.

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