unfamiliar 1 of 2

adjective

ˌən-fə-ˈmil-yər How to pronounce unfamiliar (audio)
Definition of unfamiliarnext
as in strange
not known or experienced before ordered an unfamiliar wine and was surprised to find that it was much drier than what they were used to

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

unfamiliarity

2 of 2

noun

as in ignorance
the state of being unaware or uninformed some intense studying rapidly remedied my unfamiliarity with the subject in time for the exam

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of unfamiliar
Adjective
Portugal's Encruzado from the Dão and Baga from Bairrada were largely unfamiliar to American drinkers a decade ago. — Michelle Williams, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 This change can occasionally feel uncomfortable or unfamiliar, especially if the supplement contains high doses. — Sara Hoffman, Verywell Health, 29 June 2026
Noun
Experts say North Korean troops sent to the war earlier became easy targets for drone and artillery attacks due to their lack of combat experience and unfamiliarity with the terrain. — ABC News, 26 Apr. 2026 Perhaps the most difficult part of assimilating into a new community is embracing the unfamiliarity. — Better Homes & Gardens, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfamiliar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfamiliar
  1. strange
  2. new
  3. novel
  4. unprecedented
  5. fresh
  6. original
  7. unknown
Adjective
  • Others may miss the warmth of a person who can read the room, handle a strange request or help when something goes wrong.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • Canada coach Jesse Marsch gives strange interview after Morocco World Cup loss.
    — Alex Connor, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Definition of strange
Adjective
  • Buckhead Heritage, a historic preservation organization, will make a historic building its new headquarters after reaching an agreement with Atlanta Public Schools.
    — Carson Bonner, AJC.com, 7 July 2026
  • The airlines haven’t yet announced what their new, combined frequent flyer program will look like, however.
    — Zach Wichter, USA Today, 7 July 2026
Definition of new
Adjective
  • And in a novel twist, there will be a ball drop in New York City’s Times Square at midnight to usher in the July Fourth holiday with much the same revelry that is typically reserved for New Year’s Eve.
    — Steven Sloan, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Fast, generalized defenses reduce exposure early, while slower, specialized mechanisms deliver precision when the threat is novel, persistent or evasive.
    — Abhik Biswas, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of novel
Adjective
  • The planet’s oceans are at unprecedented temperatures for this time of year, breaking the all-time June record, according to new data, with alarming implications for global weather and marine life.
    — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
  • The Qatari plane's transfer to the United States marked an unprecedented $400 million donation from a foreign country, with the aircraft later requiring extensive additional work to meet security and technical standards to become Air Force One.
    — Joey Garrison, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Definition of unprecedented
Adjective
  • The sauce painted over the surface is thick like puree, with a vibrant, all encompassing, fresh tomato flavor.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • The Biscoff cookie crust and fresh melon filling in this pie require absolutely no baking or cooking.
    — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 5 July 2026
Definition of fresh
Adjective
  • All that to say, a glass of rye whiskey, one of the oldest drinks in America and the original base of many of our earliest cocktails like Manhattans and Old Fashioneds, is an easy way to honor the scrappy American spirit.
    — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • Here, the material can be charged earlier by light or another energy source, stored in the dark, and then used later to power a chemical reaction after the original energy input has been expended.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 July 2026
Definition of original
Adjective
  • Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth.
    — Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 8 July 2026
  • Fighting in Jonglei has intensified in recent days, with an unknown number of casualties.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 July 2026
Definition of unknown

Browse Nearby Words

unfaltering
unfamiliar
unfamiliarity
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Cite this Entry

“Unfamiliar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfamiliar. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on unfamiliar

Nglish: Translation of unfamiliar for Spanish Speakers

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