Insular — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈin(t)-su̇-lər/ in·su·lar

Meaning & Definition of Insular

Insular (adjective)

  1. separated from other people or cultures; especially, not knowing or interested in new or different ideas
  2. of, relating to, or constituting an island
  3. dwelling or situated on an island

Insular (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. not broad or open in views or opinions

    "an insular community that is not receptive of new ideas, especially from outsiders"

    similar: illiberal, Lilliputian, little, narrow, narrow-minded, parochial, petty, picayune, provincial, sectarian, small, small-minded
    related: inflexible, ironbound, obdurate, obstinate, rigid, set, stubborn, unyielding, wrongheaded, bigoted, intolerant, biased, discriminating, discriminatory, jaundiced, one-sided, partial, partisan, prejudiced, brassbound, hidebound, old-fashioned, reactionary, stodgy, straitlaced, stuffy, dogmatic, opinionated, opinionative, limited, hick, unsophisticated
    opposite: broad-minded, catholic, cosmopolitan, liberal, open, open-minded, receptive, tolerant
    near: impartial, nonpartisan, objective, unbiased, unprejudiced, freethinking

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Insular

The most common words with a similar meaning to Insular:

illiberal, Lilliputian, little, narrow, narrow-minded, parochial, petty, picayune, provincial, sectarian, small, small-minded

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Insular

Words with the opposite meaning of Insular:

broad-minded, catholic, cosmopolitan, liberal, open, open-minded, receptive, tolerant

Related Words for Insular

inflexible, ironbound, obdurate, obstinate, rigid, set, stubborn, unyielding, wrongheaded, bigoted, intolerant, biased, discriminating, discriminatory, jaundiced, one-sided, partial, partisan, prejudiced, brassbound, hidebound, old-fashioned, reactionary, stodgy, straitlaced, stuffy, dogmatic, opinionated, opinionative, limited

Near Antonyms of Insular

impartial, nonpartisan, objective, unbiased, unprejudiced, freethinking

Word Forms of Insular

Derived words: insularism (noun), insularity (noun), insularly (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Insular

Late Latin insularis, from Latin insula island

First known use: 1611

Frequently Asked Questions about Insular

What does "Insular" mean?

"Insular" means separated from other people or cultures; especially, not knowing or interested in new or different ideas. As an adjective, it is defined as: separated from other people or cultures; especially, not knowing or interested in new or different ideas.

What is another word for "Insular"?

Other words for "Insular" include illiberal, Lilliputian, little, narrow, narrow-minded, parochial, petty and picayune. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Insular" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Insular"?

There are 44 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Insular". Common alternatives include illiberal, Lilliputian, little, narrow, narrow-minded, parochial, petty, picayune, provincial and sectarian.

What is the opposite of "Insular"?

Antonyms of "Insular" include broad-minded, catholic, cosmopolitan, liberal, open, open-minded, receptive and tolerant. Near antonyms include impartial, nonpartisan, objective and unbiased.

How do you use "Insular" in a sentence?

Examples of "Insular" in a sentence: "an insular community that is not receptive of new ideas, especially from outsiders".

Is "Insular" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Insular" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Insular"?

"Insular" is pronounced /ˈin(t)-su̇-lər/ and divided into syllables as in·su·lar.

What is the origin of the word "Insular"?

"Insular" comes from Late Latin insularis, from Latin insula island. First known use: 1611.