clique 1 of 2

noun

ˈklik How to pronounce clique (audio)
Definition of cliquenext
as in circle
a group of people sharing a common interest and relating together socially that clique refuses to even talk to outsiders at their lunch table

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

cliquey

2 of 2

adjective

as in cliquish
bound together by feelings of very close association found the people at the brokerage house to be just as cliquey as a gaggle of high school cheerleaders

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 clique
Noun
Police said the incident started after two cliques of girls ran into each other at a local park, the Inquirer reported in 1997. — Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 3 June 2026 Social rescue arrives in the form of outgoing cool girl Sonya (Molloy), who takes a shine to Coley after a chance encounter in a coffee shop, and invites her to join her clique. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 17 June 2026
Adjective
The Friends set was notorious for being cliquey and insular. — Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2025 The middle daughter of the family has always felt outside of its cliquey confines, what with Lizzy and Jane forming such a pair and Kitty and Lydia (Molly Wright and Grace Hogg-Robinson) practically sharing a brain. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for clique
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clique
  1. circle
  2. crowd
  3. network
  4. community
  5. bunch
  6. gang
  7. pack
  8. clan
Noun
  • As darkness settled over Washington Square Park, supporters formed circles, waved Ghanaian flags and continued singing Jama into the evening.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026
  • Activities include swimming, competitions, sports, but also therapeutic group dialogue circles.
    — Amelie Botbol, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of circle
Noun
  • Best Time to Visit The best time to visit Florence for fewer crowds is November through March.
    — Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026
  • How have your crowd work clips on social media changed your career?
    — Deputy Entertainment, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Definition of crowd
Noun
  • Manufacturing and consumer platforms Stocks in manufacturing and consumer platforms that Goldman recommends to investors are those that combine large-scale production assets, distribution networks and durable customer demand.
    — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 8 July 2026
  • The German predator network managed to thrive despite clear violations of Telegram’s terms of service, again raising questions about how the platform has been used for criminal activity.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 July 2026
Definition of network
Noun
  • Bhajans are a centuries-old form of devotional singing performed in temples, religious processions and community spaces across India, often free of charge.
    — Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
  • As America celebrates its 250th birthday, Sutton hopes the country remembers that supporting those who protect their communities shouldn't end when the headlines do.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of community
Noun
  • Merzouk took on the tough responsibility of coaching a bunch of rambunctious kids (including Alek) on the Eastside Kickers club in Cleveland Heights.
    — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026
  • And the hottest of the bunch, the green, is a fiery combination of both jalapeños and green habaneros.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of bunch
Noun
  • Youssef alleged the property later became associated with gang activity, narcotics activity, prostitution and violence.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • The gang travel through France, Switzerland and Italy towards their final destination of Greece, picking up a pop group and a mysterious American singer along the way.
    — Will Barker, TheWeek, 2 July 2026
Definition of gang
Noun
  • The reserve Ticonderoga cup with rum, brandy and pineapple packs a punch but remains extremely refreshing.
    — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
  • In Chicago, a carry-away 12-pack of beer gets slapped with more than $2 in tax.
    — Adam Hoffer, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Definition of pack
Noun
  • Zeenat’s mother was a respected woman in her clan; both of Zeenat’s sisters had married into a Syed family, and her brother worked for the village head and had authority enough to report directly to the local landlord.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 June 2026
  • Rhaena is cast out, but the rest of the Velaryon clan are closer than ever.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 June 2026
Definition of clan

Browse Nearby Words

clips
clique
cliques
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Cite this Entry

“Clique.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clique. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on clique

Nglish: Translation of clique for Spanish Speakers

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