IELTS Speaking · Vocabulary
close-knit
adjective/ˌkləʊs ˈnɪt/Band 7
Last updated 21 July 2026
In short
“close-knit” is a Band 7 adjective that means (Of a group) bound together by strong relationships and shared interests. Below you'll find its pronunciation, natural example sentences, synonyms and antonyms, and the collocations that help you use it accurately in the IELTS Speaking test.
Meaning
(Of a group) bound together by strong relationships and shared interests.
Example sentences
Natural, spoken examples at the level an examiner rewards.
- “They come from a close-knit community.”
- “Ours is a close-knit family.”
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
tight-knitcloseunited
Antonyms
fragmenteddistant
Collocations & common phrases
Word partners that make your usage sound natural — the difference between knowing a word and using it well.
Collocations
close-knit communityclose-knit familyclose-knit team
Common phrases
a close-knit community
Related words
Explore more vocabulary
Frequently asked questions
What does “close-knit” mean?
(Of a group) bound together by strong relationships and shared interests.
How do you use “close-knit” in a sentence?
For example: “They come from a close-knit community.”
What are some synonyms for “close-knit”?
Synonyms include tight-knit, close, united.
Is “close-knit” good vocabulary for IELTS Speaking?
Yes. It is Band 7 vocabulary, and collocations such as close-knit community, close-knit family, close-knit team help you use it naturally. Reaching for precise, less common words like this is exactly what lifts your Lexical Resource score.
Next step
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