Definition

Adverb: - In a manner characteristic of a clique; behaving in an exclusive way that favors a small, closed group and excludes outsiders.

Usage

The adverb "cliquishly" describes how an action is performed. It modifies verbs to indicate that the action is done in an exclusive, insular manner typical of a clique.

Examples

• The group of seniors sat cliquishly at their usual table, ignoring the new students.
• They organized the event cliquishly, only inviting people from their own social circle.
• She felt the committee operated cliquishly, making decisions without broader consultation.

Advanced Usage

• Used in Social Commentary: Often used to critically describe social dynamics, particularly in schools, workplaces, or organizations, where in-groups form.
  • The corporate culture was criticized for promoting managers cliquishly, based on personal friendships rather than merit.

Variants and Related Words

• Clique (noun): A small, exclusive group of people with shared interests or other features in common.
  • She refused to join the popular clique at school.
• Cliquish (adjective): Tending to form or behave like a clique; exclusive.
  • The club had a cliquish atmosphere that discouraged newcomers.
• Clannishly (adverb): In a manner loyal to a clan or small, close-knit group; often used synonymously with "cliquishly."
  • The old families socialized clannishly, rarely mixing with newcomers to the town.

Synonyms

• Exclusively
• In a closed manner
• In a snobbish fashion
• Insularly

Antonyms

• Inclusively
• Openly
• Welcomingly

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To form a clique: To create a small, exclusive group.
  • Some members began to form a clique, which damaged the team's overall unity.
• Cliquish behavior: Conduct that is exclusive and unfriendly to outsiders.
  • The teacher addressed the issue of cliquish behavior in the classroom.

Adverb

1. in a clannish manner
   • these four friends always act clannishly, and don't let us participate in their activities