unfamiliar

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

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 The Major League Baseball draft is filled with unfamiliar names. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026 Standing in the home clubhouse at Citizens Bank Park wasn’t an unfamiliar feeling for McGwire. — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 12 July 2026 Fronting the beloved ice hockey romance are Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, two unfamiliar actors who became absolute sensations overnight. — Emily Maskell, IndieWire, 10 July 2026 Car rides, unfamiliar buildings, kennel waits and sharing space with strangers can turn a routine appointment into a genuinely distressing experience. — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 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
  • Others may miss the warmth of a person who can read the room, handle a strange request or help when something goes wrong.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • Canada coach Jesse Marsch gives strange interview after Morocco World Cup loss.
    — Alex Connor, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Definition of strange
Adjective
  • But with many of the bosses atop those agencies exiting, a new concern over what that may mean is starting.
    — Chris Tye, CBS News, 14 July 2026
  • That waterway has taken on new significance since the start of the war, as Saudi Arabia now diverts millions of barrels of crude there to bypass the Strait of Hormuz.
    — Helen Regan, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
Definition of new
Adjective
  • Romero, who has been watching this year’s matches at bars in Mexico City, said she’s enjoyed trying new beers, especially those with novel ingredients like champagne yeast.
    — Dee-Ann Durbin, Fortune, 17 July 2026
  • Predictive machine learning is no longer a novel topic of conversation in healthcare.
    — Subba Rao Katragadda, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of novel
Adjective
  • The film broke records after an unprecedented box office run, with second, third and fourth weekends that were larger than its debut.
    — Brent Lang, Variety, 15 July 2026
  • Why Dana Suskind is sounding the alarm With the explosion of AI, Suskind has grown alarmed by a rush to introduce an unprecedented technology into kids' lives without careful reflection and rigorous scientific study about its effects on young minds.
    — Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 14 July 2026
Definition of unprecedented
Adjective
  • The sauce painted over the surface is thick like puree, with a vibrant, all encompassing, fresh tomato flavor.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • The Biscoff cookie crust and fresh melon filling in this pie require absolutely no baking or cooking.
    — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 5 July 2026
Definition of fresh
Adjective
  • While Nielsen’s streaming rankings for the week of July 6 to 12 won’t be available for another month or so, early data from the measurement company puts The Five Star Weekend among the Top 5 original streaming series in that timeframe.
    — Katie Campione, Deadline, 17 July 2026
  • The original case dates back to the early hours of May 8, 1981, when Sebold, then a Syracuse University freshman, was brutally raped in a park near campus.
    — Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 17 July 2026
Definition of original
Adjective
  • Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
  • His immigration status and nationality are unknown, and the reason for the encounter with federal agents is not yet clear.
    — Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
Definition of unknown

Browse Nearby Words

unfaltering
unfamiliar
unfamiliarity
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unfamiliar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfamiliar. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of unfamiliar for Spanish Speakers

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