Inner circle

The answer to the crossword question “Inner circle is COTERIE” is COTERIE. Coterie refers to a small group of people who share similar interests or purposes and often exclude others. It can also refer to the inner circle or close-knit group of individuals within a larger organization or community. Therefore, the clue “Inner circle is COTERIE” indicates that the answer is COTERIE, which fits the definition of a small exclusive group or inner circle.