cliquish

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

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cliquish
Adjective
  • Jews, because human beings are and always will be clannish.
    David Bezmozgis, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025
  • This sort of soft, clannish corruption is not a coat of paint that can be stripped from the protectionist architecture; the dysfunction infests the very foundations of it.
    David B. McGarry, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • At Ligon Dental Group, the practice his family began in 1978, Dr. Ligon maintains uncompromising standards alongside a friendly demeanor.
    Jason Phillips, USA Today, 15 June 2025
  • Yes, at the end our decision was not to bring him to the friendly games.
    Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • Playing familiar music can make using the toilet feel like a fun, comfortable activity, rather than a scary one.
    Kara Nesvig, Parents, 12 June 2025
  • The high school journey for Hiram Johnson’s students came to a close Wednesday with familiar themes in a new location.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • The stepmom/daughter relationship Zaya and Gabrielle share seems to be close-knit.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 7 May 2025
  • The program was incredibly close-knit—kids practiced most days of the week, and hung out almost exclusively with their fellow All-Stars, as well as with the vulgar, charismatic teacher who structured their lives.
    Air Mail, Air Mail, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • Some of the women became her close friends, and one became a longtime girlfriend.
    Hannah Goldfield, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
  • Or, that their connection through her stepdad was not close enough to matter.
    Jayme Fraser, USA Today, 16 June 2025
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Cliquish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cliquish. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.

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