Synonyms of unfamiliar

unfamiliar

adjective

ˌən-fə-ˈmil-yər 

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

• strange
• new
• novel
• unprecedented
• fresh
• original
• unknown
• unaccustomed
• unheard-of
• unique
• innovative
• nontraditional
• unconventional
• untried
• pioneering
• unused
• unworn
• trailblazing
• pathbreaking

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• familiar
• old
• tired
• hackneyed
• traditional
• conventional
• established
• tried
• time-honored
• warmed-over
• derivative
• tried-and-true
• imitative

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of unfamiliar

But riders say terminal destinations are one of the quickest ways to determine which side of a platform to use, particularly at unfamiliar stations. — Mike Stunson, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026

As the last of the September light slipped behind Central Park Wednesday evening, a small group of guests made their way into the Conservatory Garden, one of the park’s quieter gems and a place that remains unfamiliar even to many New Yorkers. — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2026

Take the reaction to their Saturday Night Live performance, all the confused and hostile comments from viewers unfamiliar with Geese’s game. — Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 10 Sep. 2026

That’s not to say there isn’t opportunity — Netflix and Amazon spent about $40 billion combined on video and music content last year — but the degree of difficulty, especially for the sports stars dabbling in unfamiliar territory, has intensified. — Justin Birnbaum, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026