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
Williams explained that the incident occurred during a time of year when young foxes begin separating from their families and exploring unfamiliar areas. — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 30 Aug. 2026 Another resident in Bissau, Carolina Djeme, said the constitution is unfamiliar to her. — ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
Noun
Perhaps the most difficult part of assimilating into a new community is embracing the unfamiliarity. — Better Homes & Gardens, 8 June 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 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
  • Some are quieter this year, some are almost ridiculous, but all of them share a strange sense of purpose.
    — Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • His attempt to discover what he is supposed to be doing propels him through a succession of increasingly strange encounters, as his search for purpose becomes entangled with his desire for love, friendship and some kind of place in the world.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of strange
Adjective
  • Now is a great time to pick up a new pair of sneakers for fall while prices are low.
    — Anna Traver, InStyle, 1 Sep. 2026
  • With the team entering a new era with a new coaching staff, Baltimore made some moves that were a bit atypical on roster cutdown day.
    — Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of new
Adjective
  • Frontier labs, neoclouds and companies building software and novel tech for AI — both in private and public markets — have been recipients of cash, with the value of Nvidia’s equity holdings also buoyed by skyrocketing tech stocks.
    — Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Her recent read of Annie Ernaux's novel Simple Passion, which follows the story of a woman consumed by an affair, also left Rodrigo musing over the topic of romantic passion.
    — Leila Fadel, NPR, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of novel
Adjective
  • As Dolly Parton fans find solace in her music after her death, her songs are surging to unprecedented levels on the charts.
    — KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
  • New models emerge rapidly, pricing changes frequently, and capabilities improve at an unprecedented pace.
    — Prajkta Waditwar, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of unprecedented
Adjective
  • Think bright citrus, fresh herbs, seasonal fruit and plenty of bubbles.
    — Emily Price, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Blood Similar to cleaning urine stains, if the blood on your mattress is fresh, then start the process by soaking up excess liquid with a paper towel before cleaning the area.
    — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of fresh
Adjective
  • With its satin-matte technology and expansive shade range, the original Pro Filt’r Soft Matte foundation revolutionized how other brands approached shades, undertones, and pigments when building their own foundation libraries.
    — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The client, who lives in Maryland, was scheduled to appear in Falls Church instead of at her original court location in Hyattsville.
    — Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of original
Adjective
  • Stringer | Reuters A tanker was struck by three unknown projectiles while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, stoking worries that the Middle East conflict could once again escalate.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The charge and light together seem to indicate a violent collision between an unknown particle and the nucleus of one of the detector’s atoms.
    — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 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 5 Sep. 2026.

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