The term "chocolate-box" refers to something that is excessively sweet or sentimental, often with an artificial or overly romanticized quality. Some antonyms for "chocolate-box" could include words like gritty, raw, unrefined, or austere. These descriptors suggest a more grounded, realistic, or even confrontational approach, as opposed to the cloying or overly saccharine qualities of a chocolate-box style. Other antonyms might include words like understated, subdued, muted, or reserved, indicating a preference for subtlety or restraint rather than over-the-top sentimentality. Ultimately, the antonyms for chocolate-box will depend on the context and the speaker's tone or perspective.