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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Amanda Musa, CNN, 27 Feb. 2025
Wernick, the Miami zoning attorney, said banks are often loath to lend to unfamiliar types of projects.
—Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2025
Plus, those with limited computer skills or who prefer a more personalized in-person experience could be disadvantaged when forced to use unfamiliar digital systems.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025
His administration has brought attention to excessive spending—largely unfamiliar to those outside the Beltway—on woke, anti-American, or wasteful government programs at USAID, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Education thus far.
—Matt Klink, Orange County Register, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unfamiliar
Adjective
And for airline passengers who are unfamiliar with what goes on inside the cockpit, the maneuver may appear sudden.
—Amanda Musa, CNN, 27 Feb. 2025
Wernick, the Miami zoning attorney, said banks are often loath to lend to unfamiliar types of projects.
—Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2025
Plus, those with limited computer skills or who prefer a more personalized in-person experience could be disadvantaged when forced to use unfamiliar digital systems.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025
His administration has brought attention to excessive spending—largely unfamiliar to those outside the Beltway—on woke, anti-American, or wasteful government programs at USAID, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Education thus far.
—Matt Klink, Orange County Register, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unfamiliar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfamiliar
Adjective
-
The strange particulars of his passing remain a mystery thus far, but Hackman’s life was lived in quiet defiance of Hollywood fame and the strictures of celebrity.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
27 Feb. 2025
-
But these were hound tracks, stretching off through the snow in a strange, dark line.—
Frank C. Hibben,
Outdoor Life,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
This executive order is politically motivated, cruel and based on ignorance, not on facts.—
Amy-lynn Fischer,
The Mercury News,
3 Mar. 2025
-
This condition is what philosopher Charles Mills, speaking of the American context, labeled epistemological ignorance—a deliberate unknowing, an insistence on the myth of white superiority, of white exceptionalism.—
Christine Winter,
Artforum,
1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Wide receiver Deebo Samuel is the Washington Commanders' newest offensive weapon.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
2 Mar. 2025
-
Breaking through entails navigating a thicket of customer perceptions, expectations, and a general reluctance to try something new when the existing solution feels sufficient.—
Alexander Puutio,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Those who master architectural optimizations, novel training techniques and adaptive AI strategies will define the next generation of artificial intelligence.—
Vandana Rana,
Forbes,
5 Mar. 2025
-
The View’s moderator showed off her trophy on the ABC daytime talk show after winning the Best Narration category for narrating her novel Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me.—
Armando Tinoco,
Deadline,
5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
That has ignited unprecedented interest in full independence from Denmark — a key issue in a parliamentary election on March 11.—
Luis Andres Henao,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Mar. 2025
-
The unprecedented assault cuts off all communication systems and digital devices for a full minute, causing chaos, a significant loss of life, and the ominous threat of another impending strike.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The new offensive coaches will be tasked with not only providing fresh eyes to Seattle’s evaluation process but also developing the young players on the roster, such as centers Olu Oluwatimi and Jalen Sundell and guards Christian Haynes, Anthony Bradford and Sataoa Laumea.—
Michael-Shawn Dugar,
The Athletic,
10 Mar. 2025
-
Shop local farmers markets or follow sales for fresh produce with can be the foundation for many meals.—
Erica Lamberg,
Fox News,
9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Unpacking the Emotional Series Finale — and What's Next for The Karate Kid Universe Cobra Kai, which premiered in May 2018, served as a sequel series to the original The Karate Kid films, with Ralph Macchio and William Zabka reprising their roles of Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence, respectively.—
Arabella Hau,
People.com,
2 Mar. 2025
-
Many have long since been demolished or altered beyond recognition, but some of the most beautiful have miraculously kept their original structures and decoration intact.—
The New York Times,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The remaining cases are among those who are unvaccinated or with unknown vaccination status.—
Mary Kekatos,
ABC News,
1 Mar. 2025
-
At this time, the containment status is unknown and the cause of the fire remains undetermined.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacramento Bee,
1 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unfamiliar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfamiliar. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share