Negative connotations:
* The politician's fawning speech to the donors was transparently insincere. (implies flattery and obsequiousness)
* The new employee's constant fawning over the boss made the other workers uncomfortable. (suggests excessive and inappropriate flattery)
* The dog, despite its fear, fawningly licked the hand of the stranger. (used figuratively to describe a desperate attempt to appease)
Neutral connotations:
* The puppy's fawning behaviour, tail wagging and licking at his owner's face, was adorable. (simply describes the act of showing affection)
* The lion cubs fawned around their mother, jostling for her attention. (describes the playful behavior of young animals)
Positive connotations:
* The audience fawning over the musician's performance made it clear he was a true star. (implies admiration and enthusiastic approval)
* The artist's latest work received fawning reviews from the critics. (suggests positive and effusive praise)
The appropriate usage of "fawning" depends on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.