cultlike
Eerily devoted group
Cultlike describes behavior, practices, or devotion resembling those of a cult—intense, unquestioning, and often centered on a charismatic figure or ideology.
The word suggests excessive conformity and suppression of independent thought: The company had a cultlike atmosphere where questioning leadership was taboo.
It can describe fandoms, political movements, or organizational cultures that demand unusual loyalty.
Adherence to norms
- uniformityState of being identical
- indoctrinationSystematic uncritical belief instillation
- brainwashingCoercive psychological manipulation
- bandwagonSurging popular cause
hivemind · insularity · in-group · homogeneity · unanimity
Excessive devotion to beliefs
- fervorIntense emotional intensity
- worshipReligious reverence and praise
- venerationProfound admiring respect
- adulationExtravagant, servile praise
reverence · allegiance · loyalty · dedication · obsession · infatuation · hero-worship · devotee
Formal admission ceremony
- chantingRhythmic repetitive vocalization
- ceremonyFormal event marking occasions
- ritesFormal ceremonial acts
- indoctrinationSystematic uncritical belief instillation
secretive · robes · symbols · gatherings · incantation · liturgy · congregation · ceremonies
Passionately eager and active
- obsessiveConsumed by fixation
- unquestioningAccepting without challenge
- dogmaticAsserting opinions as facts
- extremistOne holding fringe views
fundamentalist · radical · hardline · absolutist · monomaniacal · fervent · indoctrinated · single-minded
Underhanded control of others
- coercionPressured compliance through threats
- isolationComplete separation from others
- exploitationSelfish use of others
- obedienceCompliance with authority
authoritarian · hierarchy · secrecy · recruitment · gaslighting · love-bombing · totalism · dependency
conformity
Adherence to norms
- uniformityState of being identical
- indoctrinationSystematic uncritical belief instillation
- brainwashingCoercive psychological manipulation
bandwagon · hivemind · insularity · in-group · homogeneity · unanimity
zealotry
Excessive devotion to beliefs
- fervorIntense emotional intensity
- worshipReligious reverence and praise
- venerationProfound admiring respect
adulation · reverence · allegiance · loyalty · dedication · obsession · infatuation · hero-worship · devotee · follower
initiation
Formal admission ceremony
- chantingRhythmic repetitive vocalization
- ceremonyFormal event marking occasions
- ritesFormal ceremonial acts
indoctrination · secretive · robes · symbols · gatherings · incantation · liturgy · congregation · ceremonies · hierarchical
zealous
Passionately eager and active
- obsessiveConsumed by fixation
- unquestioningAccepting without challenge
- dogmaticAsserting opinions as facts
extremist · fundamentalist · radical · hardline · absolutist · monomaniacal · fervent · indoctrinated · single-minded · unwavering
manipulation
Underhanded control of others
- coercionPressured compliance through threats
- isolationComplete separation from others
- exploitationSelfish use of others
obedience · authoritarian · hierarchy · secrecy · recruitment · gaslighting · love-bombing · totalism · dependency · captivity
cultlikefreethinking
Intellectually independent reasoning
individualistic · nonconformist · autonomous · free-spirited · self-directed
cultliketransparent
Allowing light through
open · mainstream · inclusive · welcoming · undogmatic
cultlikedemocratic
Government by the people
egalitarian · decentralized · leaderless · non-hierarchical · grassroots
like, cult, occult, occultism, cults, cultist, cultism, cultish, cultists