as in cliquish
bound together by feelings of very close association
a clannish family that can be rather cool to outsiders
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of clannish
There are a broad spectrum of other possible explanations for the disparate outcomes Boegeman cites, including religious differences, geographic differences, even — gasp — the clannish propensity of ethnic groups to band together and create — or retain — their unique cultural traditions.
—
Star Tribune, 19 July 2021
The Trumps are nothing if not clannish.
—Hari Kunzru, The New York Review of Books, 2 July 2020
As each story revolves around the perils and power of racial or clannish identity, their sequels would naturally call for advances in inclusion of all kinds.
—Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2022
And yet to visit Derry’s neighborhoods is to find a strange mix of clannish loyalty and civic open-mindedness.
—New York Times, 3 July 2022
See all Example Sentences for clannish 
Star Tribune, 19 July 2021
The Trumps are nothing if not clannish.
—Hari Kunzru, The New York Review of Books, 2 July 2020
As each story revolves around the perils and power of racial or clannish identity, their sequels would naturally call for advances in inclusion of all kinds.
—Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2022
And yet to visit Derry’s neighborhoods is to find a strange mix of clannish loyalty and civic open-mindedness.
—New York Times, 3 July 2022
See all Example Sentences for clannish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clannish
Adjective
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The first international match of the year for Costa Rica is here, and they're headed to Orlando's Inter & Co Stadium on Wednesday to take on the USA in what's shaping up to be a lively friendly.—
Raul A. Reyes,
Newsweek,
23 Jan. 2025
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Pochettino didn’t need either of them in the USMNT’s 3-0 friendly win over Costa Rica last night — but far bigger examinations lie ahead.—
Phil Hay,
The Athletic,
23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Leading this loud and lovingly close-knit multigenerational family is Suga Mama (Jo Marie Payton), the feisty grandma and matriarch.—
Lynnette Nicholas,
Parents,
15 Jan. 2025
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In her new Prime Video documentary Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words, Grammy-winning rapper Megan Thee Stallion shares a close-knit look at her public triumphs and personal struggles behind the limelight.—
Sughnen Yongo,
Forbes,
31 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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The rhythms of these practice fields are comforting and familiar: pitchers cover first base, infielders take ground balls, hitters take swings off an actual pitcher after a winter of working out in the batting cage.—
Houston Mitchell,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Jan. 2025
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This very Bronx tale of teenage pregnancy and inner-city strife can seem familiar in terms of content, but never in terms of form.—
Jordan Mintzer,
The Hollywood Reporter,
31 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near clannish
Cite this Entry
“Clannish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clannish. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.
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