1. tending to form or associate only within a small, exclusive group; unwelcoming to outsiders

Examples

• The popular students were very cliquish and rarely talked to anyone outside their group.
• She found the office environment cliquish and difficult to break into.
• The club had a cliquish atmosphere that made new members feel unwelcome.
• His cliquish behavior alienated potential friends.
• The neighborhood association was criticized for being cliquish and elitist.
• Despite their cliquish tendencies, they eventually warmed up to the new student.