clique

noun

ˈklik 

also

ˈklēk 

: a narrow exclusive circle or group of persons

especially : one held together by common interests, views, or purposes

high school cliques

cliquey

ˈkli-kē 

also

ˈklē- 

adjective

cliquish

ˈkli-kish 

adjective

cliquishly adverb

cliquishness noun

Synonyms

• body
• bunch
• circle
• clan
• community
• coterie
• coven
• crowd
• fold
• galère
• gang
• klatch
• klatsch
• lot
• network
• pack
• ring
• set

Examples of clique in a Sentence

that clique refuses to even talk to outsiders at their lunch table

Recent Examples on the Web

His attorneys have said in filings that the Westerns clique — according to the Justice Department and the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office — is based on Long Island, New York, a state where Abrego Garcia has never lived. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025

As Dan Humphrey, Badgley played the Brooklyn outsider who found his way into the elite clique through his romance with Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively). —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 17 Apr. 2025

Neymar and striker Edinson Cavani argued over who took penalties and various media publications reported cliques in the dressing room. —Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025

Her two artsy friends, Janis and Damian, persuade her to infiltrate the popular girls’ clique — led by queen bee Regina George — and spy on them. —Matthew J. Palm, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French

First Known Use

1711, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for clique

• beak
• beek
• bleak
• cheek
• chic
• creak
• creek
• eke
• freak
• geek
• greek
• leak

Kids Definition

clique

noun

ˈklēk  ˈklik 

: a small group of people who spend time together and are not friendly to other people

cliquey

ˈklē-kē 

ˈkli-

adjective