in-group

noun

ˈin-ˌgrüp 

1

: a group with which one feels a sense of solidarity or community of interests compare out-group

2

: clique

Examples of in-group in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In this theory, individuals categorize themselves and others into in-groups and out-groups, which shapes perceptions, attitudes, and behaviours and that typically, people tend to favour those in their in-group. —Ellen Choi, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025

And the dialogue would happen on platforms that goad each of us into being the worst versions of ourselves; that prioritize in-group performance over listening; that reward outrage and outrageousness; that collapse context; that exist to privilege conflict over resolution. —Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 12 Sep. 2025

Philosophers including Plato and Descartes largely dismissed laughter and suggested people used humor primarily to establish superiority or in-group status, by making jokes at others’ expense. —Jyoti Madhusoodanan, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 July 2025

Psychologists call these categories in-groups and out-groups. —Julia Standefer, The Conversation, 14 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for in-group

• newsgroup
• recoup
• regroup
• subgroup
• workgroup
• coop
• coupe
• croup
• droop
• drupe
• dupe
• group