Cliquishly

Adverb describing behavior characterized by forming exclusive groups, or cliques, and acting in a way that excludes outsiders. It implies favoritism, a sense of superiority, and a reluctance to interact with those not belonging to the established inner circle. This behavior often involves gossip, secret meetings, and the subtle, or overt, denigration of those deemed 'different' or 'unworthy'. It can manifest in social settings, workplaces, schools, and even online communities, creating an environment of division and exclusion.

Cliquishly meaning with examples

• The popular girls at school behaved cliquishly, only inviting each other to parties and whispering behind the backs of other students. Their close-knit circle fostered a culture of exclusion and made newcomers feel unwelcome and isolated.
• Management acted cliquishly, promoting their friends and family members while overlooking equally or more qualified candidates from other departments. This created significant resentment and undermined the company's morale and productivity.
• Online, certain groups engaged cliquishly, creating echo chambers where dissenting opinions were quickly silenced or ridiculed. This narrow perspective limited exposure to diverse viewpoints and stifled healthy debate.
• Despite the company's attempts to promote teamwork, certain departments worked cliquishly, refusing to share information or collaborate with other teams. This behavior hindered cross-functional projects and decreased overall efficiency.