PAROCHIAL Synonyms: 60 Similar and Opposite Words

parochial

adjective

pə-ˈrō-kē-əl

Definition of parochial

as in small

not broad or open in views or opinions the parochial pastimes of the people in that rural farm town

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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 parochial From a parochial point of view, former Bruin goalie Joonas Korpisalo is now a Blueshirt after being dealt to Broadway on July 1. — Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 15 July 2026 They are hired hands and stewards of other people’s capital, with no desire to becoming embroiled in internecine squabbles between clashing advocates, parochial activists, and plain opportunists latching on to the moment. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 28 June 2026 In the most parochial place that ever was or ever will be, authenticity functions as a means of psychic gatekeeping, and someone who doesn’t speak the lingua Francona isn’t someone who’s worth listening to when the game’s on. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 12 June 2026 Such decisions arguably can best be done at a state level rather than from the more parochial position of city mayors. — David Greising, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for parochial

Recent Examples of Synonyms for parochial

Adjective

Instead, contestants compete for crowd reaction and are rewarded with attention and, in some cases, small cash prizes.

— Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
Mix the cornstarch with the cold water in a small bowl to make a smooth slurry.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of small

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

Built in 1884 to serve the area’s booming silver mines, the narrow-gauge railroad climbs nearly 600 feet in just two miles, crossing the famous Devil’s Gate High Bridge before reaching the historic mining town of Silver Plume.

— Jocelyn Rowley, Denver Post, 25 Aug. 2026
Those gains in a high-turnout presidential year, combined with the very narrow final margin — after a recount — made the decision simple for Bohannan to sign up a third time.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of narrow

Adjective

Set against the remote, insular world of its titular island, production designer Steve Arnold and set decorator Jennifer Engel created a lived-in, slightly stuck in time and, when necessary, deeply unsettling environment.

— Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2026
For example, academic departments often become insular, scholars may quickly dismiss unfamiliar perspectives without enough knowledge, and some fields would benefit from broader intellectual and methodological representation.

— Marybeth Gasman, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of insular

Adjective

Nine years later, Henan officials admitted 25,000 former plasma sellers in the province had contracted HIV, according to a 2004 official provincial census reported by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.

— CNN Staff, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
Although Beijing describes such trade as ordinary commerce, conducting it through provincial and private firms helps ensure that any potential sanctions fall on intermediaries rather than the party-state itself.

— Alvin Camba, Foreign Affairs, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of provincial

Adjective

Those sea views will keep you company during your workout on the little gym platform overlooking the beach.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
Increased regular season importance Arguably the biggest criticism of the current 18-team format is that there was too little reward for teams who demonstrated regular season excellence.

— Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of little

Browse Nearby Words

parlous

parochial

parochialism

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“Parochial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/parochial. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of parochial

adjective

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