Close-Knit vs. Tight-Knit – Usage & Meaning

Close-knit and tight-knit are both hyphenated compound words with the same meaning: united or bound together by strong relationships and shared interests.

Find out the complete definition, synonyms, and usage of close-knit vs. tight-knit in this article. I also share examples of how to use them in sentences.

Is It Close-Knit or Tight-Knit?

Both close-knit and tight-knit are correct. These adjectives describe a group of individuals closely bound by political, cultural, or social ties.

This shows an Ngram of close-knit and tight-knit. It reveals that both words rose in popularity during the 1900s, with close-knit being more widely used.

Close-Knit Meaning

Close-knit is an adjective that means united or bound together by strong relationships and common interests. We use the word to discuss a group of people who always help or support each other.

For example, a close-knit community or family is one whose members are always there for each other.

The comparative form of close-knit is more close-knit, while its superlative form is most close-knit. Its adverb form is closely-knit

Some close-knit synonyms and related words include:

• Friendly
• Cliquish
• Familiar
• Inseparable
• Clannish
• Exclusive
• Close
• Compact
• Intimate
• Tight

Tight-Knit Meaning

Tight-knit is an adjective that also means united or bound together by strong relationships and common interests. We use it to describe people who share a sense of care toward each other or are very friendly.

Just like close-knit community, we also often hear or read the phrase tight-knit community. That means a community bound together by strong relationships.

Its comparative form is more tight-knit, while the superlative form is most tight-knit. The adverb form is tightly-knit.

Some synonyms or similar words include:

• Social
• Close-knit
• Clannish
• Inseparable
• Convivial
• Cordial
• Sociable
• Easy
• Affable
• Love
• Amicable
• Genial

Close-Knit in a Sentence

Here are some examples of close-knit in a sentence.

• Precolonial communities were close-knit and based on kinships.
• Is it true that Eastern morals are based on close-knit communities, while Western morals are based on individualism?

• Alastair Dickson, co-founder of Dickson Minto, paid tribute to the outgoing practice: ‘I am very pleased that the London private equity practice of Dickson Minto will join Milbank – the partners, lawyers and other staff have been a close-knit group for a long time and it’s extremely satisfying to see their desire to stick together and continue to grow as a group. (Legal Business)
• Troutdale business creates a close-knit community of quilters. (Pamplin Media)

Tight-Knit in a Sentence

Here are some examples of tight-knit in a sentence.

• We visited the tight-knit community in the rural area.
• The tight-knit family was very welcoming and hospitable toward the visitors.

• When small, in-person companies grow to include remote workers, maintaining that tight-knit feeling is often difficult. (Forbes)
• “It is an extremely tight-knit group and that starts at the top,” Downing said. “The coaches don’t have big egos and try to intimidate us. They are just there trying to help us become better at football, help us to be better people and ultimately you can see what that can lead too.” (WCF Courier)

Close-Knit and Tight-Knit Are the Same

I hope this guide improved your understanding of close-knit and tight-knit and widened your vocabulary. Remember:

• Both close-knit and tight-knit are hyphenated compound words and adjectives that mean united by solid relationships.
• Close-knit is more commonly used in English.