unfamiliar

adjective

un·​fa·​mil·​iar ˌən-fə-ˈmil-yər How to pronounce unfamiliar (audio)
Synonyms of unfamiliarnext
: not familiar:
a
: not well-known : strange
an unfamiliar place
—often used with to
used words that were unfamiliar to me
b
: not well acquainted
unfamiliar with the subject
unfamiliarity
ˌən-fə-ˌmil-ˈyer-ə-tē How to pronounce unfamiliar (audio)
-ˌmi-lē-ˈyer-, 
-ˈya-rə-
noun
unfamiliarly
ˌən-fə-ˈmil-yər-lē How to pronounce unfamiliar (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of unfamiliar

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Examples of unfamiliar in a Sentence

He gets nervous when he is in unfamiliar surroundings. The book is full of unfamiliar words.
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.
The fourth grader and other students hid in an unfamiliar room for about 30 minutes as gunshots erupted nearby. — Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026 Also, look for unfamiliar providers or incorrect information in your medical records. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026 Christopher Nolan’s recent film reminded me of another time when the world was awash in ambiguity and leaders needed to navigate the perilous voyage across unfamiliar territory. — Jeff Degraff, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026 Because while deadbots may feel unfamiliar, the impulse behind them is deeply relatable. — Lissa Soep, Vox, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfamiliar

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unfamiliar was in 1594

Phrases Containing unfamiliar

Rhymes for unfamiliar

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Browse Nearby Words

unfamed
unfamiliar
unfamiliarity
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unfamiliar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfamiliar. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unfamiliar

adjective
un·​fa·​mil·​iar ˌən-fə-ˈmil-yər How to pronounce unfamiliar (audio)
1
: not well-known : strange
an unfamiliar place
2
: not well acquainted
unfamiliar with the subject
unfamiliarity
-ˌmil-ˈyar-ət-ē How to pronounce unfamiliar (audio)
-ˌmil-ē-ˈ(y)ar-
noun
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