What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cliquish
Example
The students in that school are very cliquish, making it hard for new students to make friends. [cliquish: adjective]
Example
She felt left out because the group was being cliquish and didn't include her in their activities. [cliquish: adjective]
snobbish
Example
He refused to talk to anyone who wasn't from an affluent background, showing his snobbish attitude. [snobbish: adjective]
Example
She acted snobbishly towards the waiter, treating him as if he were beneath her. [snobbishly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Snobbish is more commonly used than cliquish in everyday language. Snobbish is a term that is often used to describe someone who looks down upon others, while cliquish is less common and typically used in specific contexts related to social groups or circles.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cliquish and snobbish?
Both cliquish and snobbish have a negative connotation and are generally considered informal. However, snobbish can also be used in more formal contexts to describe someone's behavior or attitude in a sophisticated manner.
