inner circle
Closest advisory group
An inner circle is the small group of people closest to a powerful figure or at the center of an organization—those with the most access, influence, and trust.
The term implies exclusivity: She was part of the president's inner circle.
By extension, any tight-knit group of intimates: His inner circle knew about the divorce before anyone else.
Exclusive social group
- in-groupExclusive social cluster
- cabalScheming political faction
- coterieExclusive social circle
- VIPNotable, for short
members-only · closed-door · gated · selective · restricted · private · insider · A-list
Trusted keeper of secrets
- allySupportive partner
- right-handOpposite of left
- loyalistFaithful supporter of authority
- adviserOne giving professional guidance
consigliere · brain trust · kitchen cabinet · privy council · sounding board · faithful · devoted · reliable
Hidden political influencers
- kingmakersThose who decide leadership
- gatekeepersThose controlling entry
- decision-makersThose with choosing power
- movers and shakersInfluential, powerful people
behind-the-scenes · backroom · corridors of power · establishment · ruling class · oligarchy · plutocrats · elite
Attendants accompanying someone important
- posseArmed group pursuing fugitives
- crewWorking team aboard
- squadSmall working group
- close friendsDeeply bonded companions
intimates · companions · cronies · cohorts · confidants · besties · ride-or-die · nearest and dearest
Central controlling part
- hubCentral connection point
- centerMiddle of anything
- heartCirculatory system's pump
- epicenterPoint above seismic origin
focal point · nerve center · command center · headquarters · central · essential · key players · primary
clique
Exclusive social group
VIP · members-only · closed-door · gated · selective · restricted · private · insider · A-list · elite
confidant
Trusted keeper of secrets
- allySupportive partner
- right-handOpposite of left
- loyalistFaithful supporter of authority
adviser · consigliere · brain trust · kitchen cabinet · privy council · sounding board · faithful · devoted · reliable · dependable
power brokers
Hidden political influencers
- kingmakersThose who decide leadership
- gatekeepersThose controlling entry
- decision-makersThose with choosing power
movers and shakers · behind-the-scenes · backroom · corridors of power · establishment · ruling class · oligarchy · plutocrats · elite · magnates
entourage
Attendants accompanying someone important
close friends · intimates · companions · cronies · cohorts · confidants · besties · ride-or-die · nearest and dearest · bosom friends
nucleus
Central controlling part
epicenter · focal point · nerve center · command center · headquarters · central · essential · key players · primary · foundation
- groupsteam, teams, group, club, clubs
- relationshipsfriends, romantic, family, friend, flirting
- accessaccess, authorization, credentials, exclusive access, insider access
- contactsfriend, family, contact list, neighbor, acquaintances
- Exclusivityexclusive, elite, VIP, members-only, private
- friend groupssquad, crew, posse, clique, gang
inner circleouter circle
Secondary social contacts
periphery · rank and file · the masses · hangers-on · foot soldiers
inner circleoutsiders
Those not belonging
outcasts · pariahs · persona non grata · fringe · strangers
inner circlegeneral public
People as a whole
the public · the masses · everyone else · common people · ordinary citizens
circle, inner, inward, innermost, inwards, inwardness, inner circles