as in friendly
bound together by feelings of very close association
a close-knit family that constantly keeps in touch
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 close-knit
Local neighborhoods are so close-knit that everyone knows each other, said Allison Buell, a teacher and coach in Hammond.
—
Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026
Leading this loud and lovingly close-knit multigenerational family is Suga Mama (Jo Marie Payton), the feisty grandma and matriarch.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 6 Apr. 2026
The family is close-knit, intrusive, rude and menacing.
—Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 31 Mar. 2026
The Bediako case is a nice counterexample to the favoritism argument; the first judge stepped aside when his relationship with the university, or at least the coverage and commentary surrounding it, was too close-knit to be ignored, and the second judge ruled against his alma mater.
—Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026
The Bruins begin the season with a versatile and close-knit roster, Grant said.
—Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Milwaukee feels more compact and close-knit, in some cases.
—Jr Radcliffe, jsonline.com, 9 Jan. 2026
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
Christine Errigo, a neighbor, said the community is close-knit.
—Chandler Lutz, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025
Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026
Leading this loud and lovingly close-knit multigenerational family is Suga Mama (Jo Marie Payton), the feisty grandma and matriarch.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 6 Apr. 2026
The family is close-knit, intrusive, rude and menacing.
—Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 31 Mar. 2026
The Bediako case is a nice counterexample to the favoritism argument; the first judge stepped aside when his relationship with the university, or at least the coverage and commentary surrounding it, was too close-knit to be ignored, and the second judge ruled against his alma mater.
—Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026
The Bruins begin the season with a versatile and close-knit roster, Grant said.
—Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Milwaukee feels more compact and close-knit, in some cases.
—Jr Radcliffe, jsonline.com, 9 Jan. 2026
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
Christine Errigo, a neighbor, said the community is close-knit.
—Chandler Lutz, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for close-knit
Adjective
-
As a 5-footer, my favorite part is that the pants are available in a petite-friendly inseam, along with four other inseam options, limiting the need for alterations.—
Melony Forcier,
PEOPLE,
15 Apr. 2026
-
The Harlem Wizards are a high-energy basketball team known for combining athleticism, comedy, and crowd engagement in an entertaining, family-friendly game.—
Stephanie Ogilvie,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
In the Middle Ages, local churchgoers whispered of clannish Jews poisoning wells to kill Christian children and steal their blood for their rituals.—
Mike Rothschild,
Big Think,
31 Mar. 2026
-
The flood of immigrants who settled in the area were a motley crew – clannish Scandinavians, Germans, Irish Catholics escaping famine, Yankees from New England, Black refugees from the segregated South, Mexican workers seeking a better life.—
Harry Boyte,
Twin Cities,
8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Its path to passage has teetered all week in a familiar fight, as lawmakers weigh civil liberties concerns against intelligence officials' warnings about national security risks.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Its path to passage has teetered all week in a familiar fight, as lawmakers weigh civil liberties concerns against intelligence officials’ warnings about national security risks.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The Friends set was notorious for being cliquey and insular.—
Shamira Ibrahim,
Vulture,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Xi said China and Russia need to use closer and stronger strategic collaboration to defend the legitimate interests of both nations and safeguard the unity of Global South countries, the state broadcaster CCTV reported.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
15 Apr. 2026
-
At the same time, the dispatcher works on alerting one of the 17 closest fire stations.—
Morgan Rynor,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Equally appetizing, but on a more intimate scale.—
Kathryn O'Shea-Evans,
Architectural Digest,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Ideal for an intimate dinner party or casual wine night, this set of classic wine glasses is a must-have for those looking to host this season.—
Jenavieve Christensen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Close-knit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/close-knit. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
