as in clannish
bound together by feelings of very close association
the cliquish White House press corps soon let him know that he was not on the A-list
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cliquish
Adjective
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Musk’s companies have always been financially linked to one another in a clannish sort of way, but the reality is: All these AI startups and companies are investing in and selling to one another.—
Allie Garfinkle,
Fortune,
30 Jan. 2026 -
Jews, because human beings are and always will be clannish.—
David Bezmozgis,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Next, environmentally friendly chemicals convert the rare earths from solid to liquid form, allowing selective separation.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Feb. 2026
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Per capita income was just $4,000, and the government once tried to bribe me to provide more friendly coverage.—
Nicholas D. Kristof,
Mercury News,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The Friends set was notorious for being cliquey and insular.—
Shamira Ibrahim,
Vulture,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Super Bowl Sunday will bring watch parties with overflowing snack tables and a familiar lineup of wings, chips and dip.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
5 Feb. 2026
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This moment marks the transition from familiar to unpredictable.—
Micki Meyer,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Milwaukee feels more compact and close-knit, in some cases.—
JR Radcliffe,
jsonline.com,
9 Jan. 2026
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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
Adjective
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Over the years, Grey and Pollan have remained close, often supporting one another through personal and professional milestones.—
Danielle Minnetian,
FOXNews.com,
10 Feb. 2026
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The bus depot is two stories beneath the train platform and several blocks from the closest stairway.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
10 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Cliquish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cliquish. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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