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Definition of cliquey

cliquey

/ˈkliː.ki/
clique · y
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cliquey Lexical Profile

cliquey Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Characterized by or tending to form small, exclusive groups that do not readily welcome outsiders.

Example

"The new transfer student found the school's social scene frustratingly cliquey at first."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for cliquey

• Nearby Words

clippers
clipping
clique
cliquey
cliquiness
cliquish
cliquishly

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-19th century by adding the English adjectival suffix '-y' to the noun 'clique', which was borrowed from French (originally an onomatopoeic word for a sharp noise or applause from a hired claque).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Cliquey. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/cliquey
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