cliquish

[ klee-kish, klik-ish ]

adjective

1. associating exclusively with the members of one's own clique; clannish.
2. tending to divide into cliques:

   a cliquish neighborhood.

3. of, relating to, or characteristic of a clique:

   narrow, cliquish notions about art.

Other Words From

• cliquish·ly adverb
• cliquish·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of cliquish¹

First recorded in 1850–55; clique + -ish ¹

Example Sentences

To me, he was a hero in a cliquish school.”

From Los Angeles Times

They claim accountant-verified objectivity but often appear cliquish and stuck in industry bubbles.

From New York Times

But the Biden appointee quickly ruffled feathers by pushing out several career DEA officials she viewed as part of a cliquish culture that allowed misconduct to flourish.

From Seattle Times

Her school’s faculty is cliquish and unwelcoming, and Penny often draws the ire of a few women who see her as a threat.

From Washington Post

“Football, it can kind of become cliquish,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• absolute
• chic
• exclusionary
• fashionable
• licensed
• limited
• posh
• private
• privileged
• restrictive
• ritzy
• segregated
• sole
• swank
• unique