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Definition of mawkish

mawkish

/ˈmɔː.kɪʃ/
maw · kish
Adverb:mawkishly
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mawkish Lexical Profile

mawkish Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Sentimental in a feeble, exaggerated, or sickly way.

Example

"The critic dismissed the holiday drama as a mawkish attempt to manipulate the audience's emotions."

2

Having a faint, insipid, or sickly flavor that induces mild nausea.

Example

"The warm, stagnant water left a mawkish taste in the hikers' mouths."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for mawkish

• Nearby Words

maven
maverick
maw
mawkish
max
maxi
maxidress

Word Origin & Etymology

Originating in the late 17th century with the literal meaning of 'nauseated' or 'sickly', it derives from the dialectal noun 'mawk' (maggot), which itself came from Old Norse 'maðkr'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Mawkish. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/mawkish
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