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
Giving a quieter, more insular turn than those we’d been used to seeing from the movie star, Knightley revealed a sensitive new side to her.
—
Radhika Seth, Vogue, 26 Mar. 2025
That led to even more significant understaffing at the Newark approach control site, requiring airlines to delay or cancel hundreds of flights over the last week – and turning a situation that had been causing consternation in the insular air traffic controller community into a national headache.
—Casey Tolan, CNN Money, 7 May 2025
To overcome this blind spot, CEOs can intentionally break out of insular executive circles and recalibrate their understanding of today’s market realities.
—Joseph Santana, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Rich with nuance, passion and unforgettable characters, ‘Unaccustomed Earth’ invites you into the elite and insular Indian-American community of Cambridge, MA.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for insular
Radhika Seth, Vogue, 26 Mar. 2025
That led to even more significant understaffing at the Newark approach control site, requiring airlines to delay or cancel hundreds of flights over the last week – and turning a situation that had been causing consternation in the insular air traffic controller community into a national headache.
—Casey Tolan, CNN Money, 7 May 2025
To overcome this blind spot, CEOs can intentionally break out of insular executive circles and recalibrate their understanding of today’s market realities.
—Joseph Santana, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Rich with nuance, passion and unforgettable characters, ‘Unaccustomed Earth’ invites you into the elite and insular Indian-American community of Cambridge, MA.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for insular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insular
Adjective
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The third barrier to advancement Hamilton mentioned is risk aversion, and the fourth is parochial services.—
John Werner,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2025
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Prevost spent nearly two decades in missionary service in Peru, beginning in 1985 with roles such as parochial vicar and chancellor in Chulucanas, and later director of formation for Augustinian aspirants in Trujillo.—
Chicago Tribune,
Twin Cities,
11 May 2025
Adjective
-
Ellie finds a small fishing boat to take her across the water to the aquarium.—
Samantha Stutsman,
People.com,
26 May 2025
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To meet rising demand, companies sprang up and began churning out rides – smaller versions for traveling carnivals and larger ones for town squares and amusement parks.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
26 May 2025
Adjective
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The lives of these accomplished, seemingly independent women revolve around men, petty antics and low-stakes squabbles.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
29 May 2025
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But the most powerful response isn’t rage or petty retaliation.—
Suneeta Motala,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
Adjective
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The Horned Frogs gave up two late runs in a narrow 2-1 loss to Arizona in the championship game of the Big 12 Tournament on Saturday night at Globe Life Field.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 May 2025
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The Formula 1 season moves to its most iconic venue this weekend, with the eighth round of the championship taking place around the narrow streets of Monaco.—
Dan Cancian,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Insular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insular. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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