familiarity

noun

fa·​mil·​iar·​i·​ty fə-ˌmi-lē-ˈ(y)er-ə-tē How to pronounce familiarity (audio)
-ˈ(y)a-rə-;
-ˌmil-ˈyer-, 
-ˌmil-ˈya-rə-
plural familiarities
Synonyms of familiaritynext
1
a
: the quality or state of being familiar
b
: a state of close relationship : intimacy
2
a
: absence of ceremony : informality
b
: an unduly informal act or expression : impropriety
c
: a sexual liberty
3
: close acquaintance with something

Synonyms of familiarity

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Examples of familiarity in a Sentence

He spoke to everyone with the easy familiarity of an old friend. the elderly couple enjoys a familiarity that is the result of many years of happy marriage
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Hence my sympathy for ghosts, for to me this unhappy state has a painful familiarity. — Literary Hub, 30 Oct. 2026 This creates familiarity without making every asset look identical, while giving AI a clear role as an execution tool. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026 For those who love the genre for its familiarity, that may be enough. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 29 Oct. 2026 The teams have familiarity, with Oswego defeating the Redhawks 31-15 in last year’s season opener and then holding a summer practice with each other. — Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for familiarity

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of familiarity was in the 13th century

Rhymes for familiarity

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Browse Nearby Words

familiarism
familiarity
familiarization
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Familiarity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/familiarity. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

familiarity

noun
fa·​mil·​iar·​i·​ty fə-ˌmil-ˈyar-ət-ē How to pronounce familiarity (audio)
-ˌmil-ē-ˈar-
plural familiarities
1
: close friendship : intimacy
2
: lack of formality : freedom and ease in personal relations
3
: close acquaintance with or knowledge of something
4
: an overly bold act or expression
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