Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for clique

clique

[ klik, kleek ]

noun

  1. a small, exclusive group of people; coterie; set.


verb (used without object)

, cliqued, cli·quing.
  1. Informal. to form, or associate in, a clique.

clique

/ klɪk; kliːk /

noun

  1. a small, exclusive group of friends or associates
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Discover More

Derived Forms

  • ˈcliquishness, noun
  • ˈcliquish, adjective
  • ˈcliquishly, adverb
Discover More

Other Words From

  • clique·less adjective
  • cli·quey cli·quy adjective
  • cli·quism noun
  • sub·clique noun
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of clique1

1705–15; < French, apparently metaphorical use of Middle French clique latch, or noun derivative of cliquer to make noise, resound, imitative word parallel to click 1
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of clique1

C18: from French, perhaps from Old French: latch, from cliquer to click; suggestive of the necessity to exclude nonmembers
Discover More

Synonym Study

Discover More

Example Sentences

The man soon to be first in the line of succession was cut out of the clique — as he seemingly has been since the election of the Trump-Vance ticket two weeks ago.

Unlike legacy media, where similar outlets are viewed as competition, podcasters often treat each other as part of a larger community, or "clique."

From Salon

The newly reported group, which is not named in the memo, is based out of the Los Angeles CountySheriff’s Department’s Norwalk station, which had not previously been linked to any reported deputy gang or clique.

“My priority was the gang policy, now it’s cliques,” he said.

They even called themselves the “cabal,” in what seemed a parodic tribute to Strauss’ clique of wise men.

From Salon

Advertisement

Related Words

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement