CLIQUISH Synonyms: 25 Similar and Opposite Words

cliquish

adjective

Definition of 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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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 cliquish Alexandra Pechman’s feature debut drops Lily McInerny’s Nora into the cliquish literary world of 2011, where an internship at a taste-making magazine means reading the slush pile, fetching coffee, and navigating exclusive parties. — John Ross, Vanity Fair, 10 Sep. 2026 Whitehead wanted to write, but workshops rejected him and the cliquish undergraduate literary scene put him off. — Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 22 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cliquish

Adjective

The Machine was lambasted, fairly, for its clannish coördination and its efforts to keep Democratic politics in a certain mainstream style.

— Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
In the Middle Ages, local churchgoers whispered of clannish Jews poisoning wells to kill Christian children and steal their blood for their rituals.

— Mike Rothschild, Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026

Definition of clannish

Adjective

For families Families are welcomed here with a friendly, low-key attitude that has delighted kids roaming free through the open spaces.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026
Trinity Rodman, left, of the United States celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the Girls U16 international friendly match between Germany and United States at Krandelstadion on September 14, 2017, in Wildeshausen, Germany.

— Christine Ledbetter, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of friendly

Adjective

The middle daughter of the family has always felt outside of its cliquey confines, what with Lizzy and Jane forming such a pair and Kitty and Lydia (Molly Wright and Grace Hogg-Robinson) practically sharing a brain.

— Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 6 May 2026
The Friends set was notorious for being cliquey and insular.

— Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2025

Definition of cliquey

Adjective

Keep your eye on what gives you more freedom, not just what feels familiar.

— Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 28 Oct. 2026
Because the team that won the 2026 NBA championship weathered a storm that feels all-too familiar in a 0-3 start to their reign as NBA champions this season.

— Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of familiar

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“Cliquish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cliquish. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of cliquish

adjective

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