coterie
8 synonyms for coterie, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A small, close-knit group of people who share an interest or purpose and who keep others at a distance.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use coterie
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a coterie of advisers
small coterie
inner coterie
literary coterie
Literary and formal. Common in profiles, criticism and political writing.
Etymology
From French coterie, which earlier meant an association of tenants holding land together, from Old French cotier 'cottager', from cote 'a cottage'.
Full origin of coterie →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a coterie and a clique?
Both are small exclusive groups, but clique is more clearly negative and suggests schoolyard social exclusion. Coterie is more literary and often implies shared intellectual, artistic or political interests, so it can be used neutrally or even admiringly.
How do you pronounce coterie?
The usual pronunciation is KOH-tuh-ree, with the stress on the first syllable. The final syllable rhymes with 'ee', not with 'ay'.
Is coterie a negative word?
It leans slightly negative because it implies exclusivity, but the tone depends on context. 'A coterie of admirers' hints at sycophancy, whereas 'a coterie of scholars' is close to neutral.
