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 Check your credit reports for new accounts or unfamiliar inquiries. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 10 Aug. 2026 The pork chop came with an unfamiliar vegetable, shreds of a green stalk. — Emma Cline, New Yorker, 9 Aug. 2026 On a tight deadline, a chatbot can quickly surface papers, summarize unfamiliar material and help a communicator get oriented. — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 8 Aug. 2026 In a television ad for Dunkin’, Kylie Jenner wore a blush-pink, satin, structured blazer with over-the-top shoulder pads, a designer choice that generated some amusement online from those previously unfamiliar with the brand’s name. — Beatrice Dupuy, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 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
  • The explanation behind this family man’s strange case is well chronicled in many Chicago and New York news stories.
    — Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Symptoms include anxiety, hypervigilance, confusion and mania, and taking on activities that might be considered strange.
    — Deborah Becker, NPR, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of strange
Adjective
  • In July, Heated Rivalry actor Hudson Williams was spotted in Seoul wearing a pair of calf-length white shorts from Descalco, a new swimwear brand that launches this week.
    — Ashley Ogawa Clarke, Vogue, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Conceptually inspired by the 1989 Pininfarina Mythos, the Kode89 utilizes a new proprietary aluminum spaceframe and a carbon-fiber body.
    — Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of new
Adjective
  • The novel delves into the war experience of Palestinian women.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Researchers in South Korea have recently developed a novel 3D printing method that allows soft actuators made from a single material to stretch or contract when exposed to heat.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of novel
Adjective
  • The site will probe the internal structure of protons, neutrons and atomic nuclei with unprecedented precision.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026
  • With ocean temperatures rising at unprecedented rates, warmer northern coastal waters may be enabling the rays to arrive in these waters earlier and to stay longer.
    — Sanidhya Sharma, Scientific American, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of unprecedented
Adjective
  • That choice was to keep him fresh for the more important league game on the weekend.
    — Thom Harris, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Apart from the cleanup, the Kallimarmaro is also getting a new track, upgraded lighting and fresh support facilities.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of fresh
Adjective
  • For almost 20 years, Xerjoff has specialized in exotic perfumes, crafting 170 original scents that are available in more than 130 countries around the world.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The original proposal raised questions about how much financial risk Nvidia should assume.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of original
Adjective
  • The tiara was ultimately sold at auction at Christie’s in Geneva in May 1981 to an unknown buyer.
    — Francesca Gariano, PEOPLE, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The Independence Police Department received a tip that Kitara and another man may have beaten Simpson with a ratchet before dumping her body in an unknown location, according to court documents.
    — Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 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 18 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on unfamiliar

Nglish: Translation of unfamiliar for Spanish Speakers

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