Synonyms for

Elites

Verb / ɪˈli:ts / / eɪˈli:ts / Another word for elites — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a group of people considered to be the best in a particular society or category

Synonyms & similar words

elite elitegroup aristocracy nobility gentry cream best cognoscenti intelligentsia establishment wealthy rich affluent prosperous well-to-do opulent

Synonyms by register

Formal

establishment power brokers ruling class intelligentsia

Informal

top dogs bigwigs the in-crowd the movers and shakers

Literary

the chosen the select

Antonyms

commoners masses plebeians rank-and-file proletariat hoi polloi ordinary people

Common collocations

  • political elites
  • economic elites
  • social elites
  • cultural elites
  • the elite class
  • elite status
  • elite group

Word family

noun elite
adjective elite

Usage note

The word 'elite' can be used as both a noun and an adjective. As a noun, it often carries a connotation of exclusivity and sometimes arrogance.

Example sentences

  1. The elites of the art world gathered at the gallery opening.
  2. The elites of the business world attend this conference every year.
  3. The elites of the sports world compete in the Olympics.
  4. She aspired to be part of the elites in the fashion industry.
  5. The elites of society often have more opportunities and advantages than others.

Quotes

  • The first panacea for a mismanaged nation is inflation of the currency; the second is war. Both bring a temporary prosperity; both bring a permanent ruin. But both are the refuge of political and economic opportunists. - Ernest Hemingway
  • Elites can never have enough power. - Chris Hedges
  • The past speaks to us in a thousand voices, warning and comforting, animating and stirring to action. What the past says to us depends on what we are looking for and where we are looking for it. - Jill Lepore

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