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
-
Ross records Renee's friendly, smiling face through her open window.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
15 Jan. 2026
-
In honor of the long weekend, the section is overflowing with travel-friendly steals, with discounts up to 76 percent off on everything from comfortable shoes and luggage sets to practical travel accessories.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The Friends set was notorious for being cliquey and insular.—
Shamira Ibrahim,
Vulture,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Fishbach’s debut novel is set in familiar terrain for him.—
Michael Schaub,
Oc Register,
16 Jan. 2026
-
Those who know the victim described him as a familiar and well‑liked presence in the neighborhood.—
Anna McAllister,
CBS News,
15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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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
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Christine Errigo, a neighbor, said the community is close-knit.—
Chandler Lutz,
CBS News,
11 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
Traffic concerns remained a prominent theme of the more than 100 emails the city received in early December, but many people expressed excitement at the prospect of a closer Costco.—
Rose Evans
January 8,
Idaho Statesman,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The Clippers raced to a 14-5 lead, but the Knicks answered with eight straight points and the game was close for the first three quarters.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Cliquish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cliquish. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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