Question:hard

Choose the option that is closest in meaning to the word given below.
MAWKISH

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Mawkish criticizes something for being too sugary and sentimental, like a maudlin, tearful movie scene.
Updated On: Jul 21, 2026
  • Tendentious
  • Mellifluous
  • Maudlin
  • Meridional
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question tests the meaning of "mawkish," a word used to criticize excessive sentimentality.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Mawkish describes emotion that is overdone to the point of feeling sickly or false, such as a mawkish love story. The correct option must carry this same sense of exaggerated sentiment.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
"Tendentious" is about a biased viewpoint, not emotion, so it is unrelated.
"Mellifluous" describes a pleasant sound or voice, again a different quality altogether.
"Meridional" is a geographic or time related term, with no connection to sentiment.
"Maudlin" means tearfully or foolishly sentimental, describing the exact same overdone emotional quality as mawkish.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The closest synonym of "mawkish" is "Maudlin," corresponding to option (C).
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