unfamiliar
adjective
un·fa·mil·iar
ˌən-fə-ˈmil-yər 
: not familiar:
a
: not well-known : strange
an unfamiliar place
b
: not well acquainted
unfamiliar with the subject
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
Changes in the home environment, such as a new routine, unfamiliar people or animals, or extended periods of being alone, can lead to stress or separation anxiety, both of which may increase vocalization.
—
Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
For those unfamiliar with the incident, there’s (perhaps thankfully) little tension that the kids will be found and rescued.
—Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 1 Sep. 2025
Defeat against one of the Premier League’s ‘Big Six’ rivals is an unfamiliar feeling.
—Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2025
Tourists renting cars should be prepared for long drives on unfamiliar rural roads, as well as potential long waits for ferries.
—David Nikel, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unfamiliar
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Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
For those unfamiliar with the incident, there’s (perhaps thankfully) little tension that the kids will be found and rescued.
—Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 1 Sep. 2025
Defeat against one of the Premier League’s ‘Big Six’ rivals is an unfamiliar feeling.
—Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2025
Tourists renting cars should be prepared for long drives on unfamiliar rural roads, as well as potential long waits for ferries.
—David Nikel, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unfamiliar
Cite this Entry
“Unfamiliar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfamiliar. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unfamiliar
adjective
un·fa·mil·iar
ˌən-fə-ˈmil-yər
1
: not well-known : strange
an unfamiliar place
2
: not well acquainted
unfamiliar with the subject
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