INSULAR Synonyms: 60 Similar and Opposite Words

insular

adjective

ˈin(t)-su̇-lər

Definition of insular

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 There are parallels to the Epstein saga; tensions between an insular, blue-collar police force and federal agents with elite educations; systemic corruption; office politics. — Judy Berman, Time, 27 July 2026 Cheapening a Storied Brand Furthermore, the Klarna partnership cheapens Apple’s premium brand identity, which was in part achieved by its extremely insular ecosystem. — Bee Wertheimer, PC Magazine, 24 July 2026 The leader of his country’s Socialist Party, Rama came to power in 2013, as Albania was still sloughing off its insular identity. — Isaac Stanley-Becker, The Atlantic, 23 July 2026 Meanwhile, the word on Grand Illusion was getting out beyond the insular arthouse crowd. — Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 18 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for insular

Recent Examples of Synonyms for insular

Adjective

Several residents who spoke at the meetings characterized the opposition as a vocal minority of residents who have fixated on a few mostly parochial issues.

— John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 1 Aug. 2026
All but one, Pulaski Academy in Little Rock, were either parochial or had some religious affiliation.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 25 July 2026

Definition of parochial

Adjective

Again and again, Bass went after Raman in the pettiest, most personal ways.

— Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
But to build a web of accusations based on false premises and the manipulation of reality in order to attack the Biennale and a film invited to compete is a petty and unacceptable act.

— John Bleasdale, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of petty

Adjective

Enclosed by a network of 13th-century walls, the narrow streets of old York host myriad awe-inspiring relics from its pre-industrial past, perhaps the most famous being York Minster, one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals anywhere.

— Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
The noun developed later for something removed or separated—hence a narrow strip of land, cloth, or material.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026