Search Dictionary
Definition of cliquishness

cliquishness

/ˈkliːkɪʃnəs/
cli · quish · ness
Adverb:cliquishly
•
Adjective:cliquish
JUMP TO:

cliquishness Lexical Profile

cliquishness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The quality or tendency of forming small, exclusive social groups that do not readily welcome outsiders.

Example

"The principal introduced team-building activities to reduce the cliquishness among the high school students."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for cliquishness
Antonyms
View all antonyms for cliquishness

• Rhymes for cliquishness

• Nearby Words

cliquiness
cliquish
cliquishly
cliquishness
clit
clitoral
clitoris

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the adjective 'cliquish' and the suffix '-ness', ultimately tracing back to the 18th-century French noun 'clique', an echoic word originally referring to a sharp clicking or clapping sound before coming to mean a tight-knit group that applauds or supports its own members.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Cliquishness. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/cliquishness
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.