Mawkish Adj Excessively Objectionably Sentimental Synonym Maudlin Important Distinction

Mawkish is another synonym for maudlin, but there is an important distinction in meaning between these two words. As described in Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Synonyms, mawkish is an adjective that emphasizes the sickening nature of the sentiment. In other words, mawkish sentiment is often disgusting and sickening because it’s so incredibly insincere or over the top.

Mawkish comes from the Middle English word

mawke, which means “maggot.”