as in parochial
not broad or open in views or opinions
an insular community that is not receptive of new ideas, especially from outsiders
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 insular
Sullivan delivers a complete representation of the North Carolina region as well as the insular town’s myths and struggles.
—
Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 21 Aug. 2025
Tell me about the decision to explore those themes of masculinity and desire in this specific setting, a small and insular fishing town in Wales.
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2025
Rich with nuance, passion, and unforgettable characters, Unaccustomed Earth invites you into the elite and insular Indian-American community of Cambridge, MA.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 7 Aug. 2025
The industry has long been too homogenous, too insular and too slow to evolve.
—Heidi Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for insular
Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 21 Aug. 2025
Tell me about the decision to explore those themes of masculinity and desire in this specific setting, a small and insular fishing town in Wales.
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2025
Rich with nuance, passion, and unforgettable characters, Unaccustomed Earth invites you into the elite and insular Indian-American community of Cambridge, MA.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 7 Aug. 2025
The industry has long been too homogenous, too insular and too slow to evolve.
—Heidi Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for insular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insular
Adjective
-
This week, in parochial and Christian schools across Chicago and the suburbs, schoolchildren filed into pews with their classmates to observe church services ahead of the school day.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Aug. 2025
-
Funded by political parties and subscribers, such papers were thoroughly partisan and parochial.—
Krista Kafer,
Denver Post,
19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Aalo expects to complete construction and reach criticality by July 4, 2026, a timeline the company says demonstrates the speed at which small, modular nuclear reactors can be deployed.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
29 Aug. 2025
-
Snap up travel essentials, comfy pajamas, small kitchen must-haves, and more gems.—
Isabel Garcia,
People.com,
29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Take a trip to 2099, with Star Amerasu’s hysterical and clever social-media videos set in our very petty future.—
Jessica Winter,
New Yorker,
27 Aug. 2025
-
The film explores the petty jealousies and power dynamics that fuel the group of interchangeable young men in Oliver’s orbit, as Matthew gradually becomes famous by association and fights to stay relevant.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
23 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The financial leaders who struggle are typically those insisting on narrow specialization when their organizations need broader capabilities.—
Jack McCullough,
Forbes.com,
1 Sep. 2025
-
But those authorities are narrower and limit how quickly and to what extent a president can act.—
Robert Birsel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Insular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insular. Accessed 7 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share