Entry Word: familiar

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 closely acquainted <the little inside jokes that people who have long been familiar like to share>

Synonyms bosom, chummy, close, friendly, intimate, thick

Related Words affable, boon, companionable, convivial, cordial, genial, gracious, hearty; gregarious, sociable, social; comfortable, cozy, easy, snug; amicable, neighborly; confidential, secretive; affectionate, dear, devoted, fond, loving, warm

Near Antonyms aloof, cold, cool, reserved, standoffish, unfriendly, unsociable, withdrawn

Antonyms distant

2 having information especially as a result of study or experience <book editors who are familiar with what is being taught in the schools>

Synonyms abreast, acquainted, conversant, informed, knowledgeable, up, up-to-date, versed

Related Words aware, cognizant, conscious, heedful, mindful

Phrases in the know

Near Antonyms unaware, unconscious, unmindful; blind, oblivious, unknowing, unwitting

Antonyms ignorant, unacquainted, unfamiliar, uninformed

3 often observed or encountered <the woman and her pair of Welsh corgis were a familiar sight in the quiet neighborhood> — see common 1
4 showing a lack of proper social reserve or modesty <rather too familiar for a first-time guest in our home, the woman kept asking how much we paid for this or for that> — see presumptuous 1