CLOSE-KNIT Synonyms: 25 Similar and Opposite Words

close-knit

adjective

ˈklōs-ˈnit

Definition of close-knit

as in friendly

bound together by feelings of very close association a close-knit family that constantly keeps in touch

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of close-knit There were many kinds of shtetls, depending on their geographic and political context, but all were characterized by having a concentrated and close-knit Jewish settlement. — Jordana Rosenfeld, Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 June 2026 Her family was, and is, close-knit. — Andre Mouchard, Daily News, 9 May 2026 Local neighborhoods are so close-knit that everyone knows each other, said Allison Buell, a teacher and coach in Hammond. — Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026 Leading this loud and lovingly close-knit multigenerational family is Suga Mama (Jo Marie Payton), the feisty grandma and matriarch. — Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 6 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for close-knit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for close-knit

Adjective

The friendly service, comfortable rooms and downtown location give it wide appeal.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
Love, at 85 years old, is the sole member of the original Beach Boys lineup who still tours under that name, performing all their classic, SPF-friendly hits with younger instrumentalists.

— Devon Ivie, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of friendly

Adjective

The Machine was lambasted, fairly, for its clannish coördination and its efforts to keep Democratic politics in a certain mainstream style.

— Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
In the Middle Ages, local churchgoers whispered of clannish Jews poisoning wells to kill Christian children and steal their blood for their rituals.

— Mike Rothschild, Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026

Definition of clannish

Adjective

Alexandra Pechman’s feature debut drops Lily McInerny’s Nora into the cliquish literary world of 2011, where an internship at a taste-making magazine means reading the slush pile, fetching coffee, and navigating exclusive parties.

— John Ross, Vanity Fair, 10 Sep. 2026
Whitehead wanted to write, but workshops rejected him and the cliquish undergraduate literary scene put him off.

— Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 22 June 2026

Definition of cliquish

Adjective

The middle daughter of the family has always felt outside of its cliquey confines, what with Lizzy and Jane forming such a pair and Kitty and Lydia (Molly Wright and Grace Hogg-Robinson) practically sharing a brain.

— Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 6 May 2026
The Friends set was notorious for being cliquey and insular.

— Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2025

Definition of cliquey

Adjective

With millions of ballots soon to flood mailboxes, people are paying closer attention.

— Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026
According to The Irish Star, the POTUS’ close relationship with his executive assistant, Natalie Harp, has further strained his connection with Melania.

— StyleCaster Editors, StyleCaster, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of close

Adjective

More than 70 people who bought, owned or were recorded with smart glasses have sued the company, alleging in one lawsuit filed this year that intimate images were exposed to contract workers tasked with training artificial intelligence.

— Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
What begins as an intimate portrait of an enigmatic felon becomes a mind-bending three-year journey into the abyss.

— Isabelle Farina, Variety, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of intimate

Browse Nearby Words

close in (on)

close-knit

closely

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Cite this Entry

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“Close-knit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/close-knit. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of close-knit

adjective

Example Sentences

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