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Definition of cliquish

cliquish

/ˈkliː.kɪʃ/
cli · quish
Adverb:cliquishly
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cliquish Lexical Profile

cliquish Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Tending to form or associate only with small, exclusive groups of people, while remaining aloof or unwelcoming toward outsiders.

Example

"As a transfer student, she found the high school social scene frustratingly cliquish during her first semester."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for cliquish

• Nearby Words

clique
cliquey
cliquiness
cliquish
cliquishly
cliquishness
clit

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-19th century by adding the English suffix -ish to the French borrowing clique, which originally meant a sharp noise or applause from a paid group of theater supporters.

Cite this Entry

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