as in clannish
bound together by feelings of very close association
the cliquish White House press corps soon let him know that he was not on the A-list
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cliquish
Adjective
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Jews, because human beings are and always will be clannish.—
David Bezmozgis,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2025 -
This sort of soft, clannish corruption is not a coat of paint that can be stripped from the protectionist architecture; the dysfunction infests the very foundations of it.—
David B. McGarry,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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While not all offices or remote cultures may support a ‘bring your pet to work day,’ there are some easy ways to create a more pet-friendly culture that drives a sense of belonging and increases organizational reputation.—
Marissa Andrada,
Rolling Stone,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Host a Pottery or Clay Night Air-dry or oven-bake clay is beginner-friendly and perfect for a cozy craft night.—
Lauren Schuster,
Miami Herald,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The Friends set was notorious for being cliquey and insular.—
Shamira Ibrahim,
Vulture,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Super Bowl Sunday will bring watch parties with overflowing snack tables and a familiar lineup of wings, chips and dip.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
5 Feb. 2026
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This moment marks the transition from familiar to unpredictable.—
Micki Meyer,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Milwaukee feels more compact and close-knit, in some cases.—
JR Radcliffe,
jsonline.com,
9 Jan. 2026
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Friends and neighbors described the family as quiet and close-knit, and authorities have said there is no indication Loureiro anticipated any threat.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
26 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
Moltbook’s emergence suggests that a future in which bots act autonomously is closer than previously thought.—
semafor.com,
semafor.com,
3 Feb. 2026
-
Recent reporting has put a spotlight on Medicaid fraud and what can happen when large public programs operate without close oversight.—
Miki Kapoor,
New York Daily News,
3 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Cliquish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cliquish. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
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