insular

adjective

in·su·lar | \ ˈin(t)-su̇-lər

, -syu̇-, ˈin-shə-lər\

Definition of insular

1a : of, relating to, or constituting an island

b : dwelling or situated on an island insular residents

2 : characteristic of an isolated people especially : being, having, or reflecting a narrow provincial viewpoint

3 : of or relating to an island of cells or tissue

Other Words from insular Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about insular

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Other Words from insular

insularism \ ˈin(t)-su̇-lə-ˌri-zəm

, -syu̇- , ˈin-shə-lə- \ noun

insularity \ ˌin(t)-su̇-ˈler-ə-tē

, -ˈla-rə- -syu̇- , ˌin-shə-ˈler-ə- , -ˈla-rə- \ noun

insularly \ ˈin(t)-su̇-lər-lē

, -syu̇- , ˈin-shə- \ adverb

Examples of insular in a Sentence

the insular world of boarding schools an insular community that is not receptive of new ideas, especially from outsiders

Recent Examples on the Web

As an outsider to Metro's insular culture, Arcos did not force the changes down officers' throats and gradually won them over. — James Queally, latimes.com, "A closer look at the three finalists for LAPD chief," 18 May 2018 The opposition is hammering Mr. Abe for allowing more immigrants in the famously insular nation. — The Editorial Board, WSJ, "Japan’s Immigration Harbinger," 5 Dec. 2018 So this latest outbreak is a reminder of how vulnerable more insular groups can be to anti-vaxxers, and the unique challenges for public health advocates in countering their messages in these communities. — Julia Belluz, Vox, "New York’s Orthodox Jewish community is battling measles outbreaks. Vaccine deniers are to blame.," 9 Nov. 2018 And a closer study of his online activity reveals the evolution of a political identity built on a foundation of false news and misinformation, and steeped in the insular culture of the right-wing media. — Casey Newton, The Verge, "Why social media is friend to far-right politicians around the world," 30 Oct. 2018 Sardinia contains many worlds: the glitzy Costa Smeralda; the Catalonian retreat of Alghero; the wild mountain coastlines both east and west; practical, insular Barbagia; the rice fields of diligent Oristano. — Kyre Chenven, Condé Nast Traveler, "For Sardinia’s Wild Side, Head to Sulcis," 12 Oct. 2018 Carter repeated his frustrations with the last Democratic president, Barack Obama, for not engaging more directly with the insular Asian nation. — Bill Barrow, The Seattle Times, "Jimmy Carter cautions Democrats not to scare off moderates," 11 Sep. 2018 Some biologists have suggested that insular dwarfism is an adaptation to limited food resources or smaller prey animals. — Kiona N. Smith, Ars Technica, "The modern pygmies of Flores are not related to Homo floresiensis," 2 Aug. 2018 For generations, Solo was a family business, a relatively insular culture. — Christopher Borrelli, chicagotribune.com, "That red plastic cup is a Chicago original. Proceed to party.," 29 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'insular.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.