What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
clannish
Example
The small town had a clannish atmosphere, where everyone knew each other and outsiders were not easily accepted. [clannish: adjective]
Example
The company had a clannish culture, with employees forming tight-knit groups and being resistant to change. [clannish: adjective]
sectarian
Example
The country was torn apart by sectarian violence between different religious groups. [sectarian: adjective]
Example
The organization had a sectarian agenda, promoting the interests of a specific religious sect. [sectarian: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Clannish is less commonly used than sectarian in everyday language. Sectarian is often used to describe conflicts or divisions between different religious or political groups, while clannish is more specific to describing close-knit communities or organizations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between clannish and sectarian?
Both clannish and sectarian are relatively formal words. They are more likely to be used in academic or serious discussions rather than casual conversations.
