in-group

Definitions

A social group to which a person psychologically identifies as being a member.

An exclusive or cliquish group of people who share common interests or goals.

Examples

The club members often displayed a strong sense of loyalty to their in-group while remaining skeptical of outsiders.

Psychological studies suggest that people tend to favor members of their own in-group over those they perceive as different.

Synonyms

clique inner circle coterie faction fraternity cabal exclusive set

Antonyms

out-group outsiders the public general population nonmembers the masses