UNFAMILIARITY Synonyms: 24 Similar and Opposite Words

unfamiliarity

noun

Definition of unfamiliarity

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

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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 unfamiliarity Not out of intent, but out of unfamiliarity. — Pragati Awasthi, The Conversation, 26 May 2026 Most couples have never purchased wedding flowers before, and that unfamiliarity can make the process feel overwhelming. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 1 June 2026 Even a short period can act as an emotional and mental buffer, allowing your brain to re-adjust from the excitement and unfamiliarity of the road back to a standard, daily schedule. — Laura Kiniry, Popular Science, 17 June 2026 Kennedy’s overhaul of the group and its unfamiliarity with some of the nitty-gritty of procedural requirements was evident throughout the afternoon. — O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 28 Apr. 2026 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 But that confidence may be put to a test as potential challengers included in the survey posted stronger favorability scores than Johnson — though the city residents surveyed displayed significant levels of unfamiliarity with those possible rivals. — Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026 Hesitation may indicate unfamiliarity—not inadequacy. — Yann Dang, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfamiliarity

ignorance

Noun

What’s interesting in this context is the ignorance portrayed by financial teams with respect to building core strategies.

— Dr. Saheer Nelliparamban, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
And ignorance — or, in the case of some people and/or bots on social media, denial that this is a thing at all — is not an excuse.

— David Aldridge, New York Times, 4 July 2026

Definition of ignorance

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unfamiliar

unfamiliarity

unfamous

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

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Synonyms of unfamiliarity

noun

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