familiarize

verb

fa·​mil·​iar·​ize fə-ˈmil-yə-ˌrīz How to pronounce familiarize (audio)
familiarized; familiarizing
Synonyms of familiarizenext

transitive verb

1
: to make known or familiar
… Shakespeare … familiarizes the wonderful …—Samuel Johnson
2
: to make well acquainted
familiarize students with good literature
familiarization
fə-ˌmil-yə-rə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce familiarize (audio)
noun

Synonyms of familiarize

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Examples of familiarize in a Sentence

I've been slowly familiarizing myself with the neighborhood. the general's day-to-day duties included familiarizing the president on international developments
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.
Most Formula 1 weekends open with three practice sessions, during which drivers and teams experiment with their cars and power settings, and familiarize themselves with the course. — Sam Knight, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026 Eadie said the event brings visitors to the area well before race day as athletes arrive to train, familiarize themselves with the course and acclimate to the region. — Kayla Moeller, CBS News, 19 Oct. 2026 Adaptability and resilience Being adaptable and resilient are also key today, Chait said, since new tools are cropping up seemingly every day, and employees are expected to quickly familiarize themselves with them. — Sarah Jackson, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026 Take a moment to familiarize yourself — and your family — with this important information. — Lillian Bonsignore, New York Daily News, 4 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for familiarize

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of familiarize was in 1593

Rhymes for familiarize

See All Rhymes for familiarize

Browse Nearby Words

familiarization
familiarize
familiarly
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Cite this Entry

“Familiarize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/familiarize. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

familiarize

verb
fa·​mil·​iar·​ize fə-ˈmil-yə-ˌrīz How to pronounce familiarize (audio)
familiarized; familiarizing
: to make familiar
familiarize yourself with the place
familiarization
-ˌmil-yə-rə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce familiarize (audio)
noun
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