Which word is synonymous with overly sentimental, often to a sickening degree?

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The word "maudlin" is synonymous with being overly sentimental, often to the point of distaste or nausea. It describes a sentimentality that can be excessive or insincere, frequently seen in situations of emotional outpouring where the feelings expressed might come across as exaggerated or insipid. This term stems from the character Mary Magdalene, often associated with weeping, and has evolved to characterize a certain type of emotional expression that is overly dramatic.

The other choices do not convey this sense of excessive sentimentality. "Peevish" refers to being irritable or easily annoyed, while "gregarious" describes someone who is sociable or likely to enjoy the company of others. "Mercurial" refers to someone who is unpredictable or changeable in mood or temperament. None of these words embodies the specific connotation of overly sentimental that "maudlin" does.