INSULAR Synonyms: 60 Similar and Opposite Words

insular

adjective

ˈin(t)-su̇-lər

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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Example Sentences

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 insular Fraternal orders, like the Elks, used these shows to build the insular networks that launched political careers all the way to the White House. —

Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 8 May 2026 The narrative follows his life through major events such as World War I and the Great Depression and into the mid-20th century, unfolding in the insular world of academia, where Stoner faces personal and professional struggles with quiet resilience. —

Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026 The insular culture and unadorned lives of conservative Anabaptist people aren't often associated with music, but Amish sacred music dates back half a millennium. —

ABC News, 1 May 2026 But two battles on the June ballot in Los Angeles have raised the temperature this campaign season and invited questions about the lengths members of the insular local bench will go to protect their own. —

James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for insular

Recent Examples of Synonyms for insular

Adjective

Distraught by life in the South, Reed figured that the only way to escape his parochial childhood was to write his way out.

— Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2026
Research shows the disparity between vaccination coverage in private and parochial/religious versus public schools is that private and parochial/religious schools tend to have higher rates of exemptions to vaccinations for moral and religious beliefs.

— Kar-Hai Chu, The Conversation, 10 Apr. 2026