as in parochial
not broad or open in views or opinions
an insular community that is not receptive of new ideas, especially from outsiders
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Recent Examples of insular
When 17 children from one classroom inexplicably run out into the night, a frightened insular community starts pointing fingers at their young schoolteacher (Julia Garner) and the sole survivor, Alex (Cary Christopher).
—
Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025
The interview is alternately boring and compelling, offering a glimpse into an insular world of privilege and entitlement.
—Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2025
At age 18, Ammon made the decision to leave his Amish family and start a life beyond the insular, Luddite community.
—Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 26 Aug. 2025
The album is vast, a world unto itself, and taking all-comers; something that could hardly be said of its root genre, which could be insular in the extreme.
—Chris R. Morgan, The Washington Examiner, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for insular
Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025
The interview is alternately boring and compelling, offering a glimpse into an insular world of privilege and entitlement.
—Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2025
At age 18, Ammon made the decision to leave his Amish family and start a life beyond the insular, Luddite community.
—Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 26 Aug. 2025
The album is vast, a world unto itself, and taking all-comers; something that could hardly be said of its root genre, which could be insular in the extreme.
—Chris R. Morgan, The Washington Examiner, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for insular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insular
Adjective
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Aquila served as a parochial vicar in two parishes from 1976 to 1982 and then as pastor at Denver’s Guardian Angels Parish from 1982 to 1987.—
Elizabeth Hernandez,
Denver Post,
19 Sep. 2025
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Or if that is not parochial enough, there are some decent Carabao Cup ties on Tuesday, with Manchester United’s conquerors Grimsby Town going to Sheffield Wednesday and Crystal Palace hosting Millwall, a replay of last season’s bruising FA Cup clash.—
Matt Slater,
New York Times,
15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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In an initial analysis that didn’t control for genetic factors, the researchers found a small association between women who used acetaminophen during pregnancy and the incidence of autism, ADHD, and intellectual disability.—
Dominique Mosbergen,
Time,
23 Sep. 2025
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The Twins averaged 22,108 fans a game, 24th out of 30 Major League Baseball teams, though two of those teams behind them are playing in smaller-capacity, minor league stadiums.—
Betsy Helfand,
Twin Cities,
22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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And unfortunately for everyone who would like to see Belichick inducted in-person, the 73-year-old coach is currently at the height of his petty powers.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
19 Sep. 2025
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Weeks before the closing announcement, blame fell on the store’s lack of shopping carts, the closure of self-checkout lanes and a visible rise in shoplifting and petty crime.—
Mars King,
Twin Cities,
17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Inflation could feature heavily in midterm elections next year, as the Republican Party looks to defend narrow majorities in the House and Senate.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
27 Sep. 2025
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The meandering layout of Milan predates cars, so expect to get your steps in on the narrow and winding roads.—
Abbey Hudetz,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Insular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insular. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
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