familiarity

noun

fa·​mil·​iar·​i·​ty fə-ˌmi-lē-ˈ(y)er-ə-tē 

-ˈ(y)a-rə-;

-ˌmil-ˈyer-, 

-ˌmil-ˈya-rə-

plural familiarities

1

a

: the quality or state of being familiar

b

: a state of close relationship : intimacy

2

a

: absence of ceremony : informality

b

: an unduly informal act or expression : impropriety

c

: a sexual liberty

3

: close acquaintance with something

Synonyms of familiarity

• intimacy
• belonging
• kinship

Examples of familiarity in a Sentence

He spoke to everyone with the easy familiarity of an old friend.

the elderly couple enjoys a familiarity that is the result of many years of happy marriage

Recent Examples on the Web

My familiarity with the art world, knowledge of the players and celebrities who frequented Indochine, immersion in the fashion world, and extensive travel were all attributes. — Literary Hub, 13 Nov. 2026

The two have some familiarity considering that Patullo was the offensive coordinator in Philadelphia when the Eagles drafted McCord. — Miami Herald, 12 Nov. 2026

While many musicians pursue solo careers after leaving their groups, Boyd is determined to build both identities simultaneously, finding fulfillment in the freedom of standing on her own and the familiarity of creating alongside her family. — Christopher Claxton, Billboard, 10 Nov. 2026

Body image is also about familiarity with one’s body, connections and sensations. — Anusha Subramanian, Vox, 10 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for familiarity

• angularity
• bipolarity
• capillarity
• cellularity
• circularity
• granularity
• insincerity
• insularity
• modularity
• osmolarity
• popularity
• regularity

Kids Definition

familiarity

noun

fa·​mil·​iar·​i·​ty fə-ˌmil-ˈyar-ət-ē 

-ˌmil-ē-ˈar-

plural familiarities

1

: close friendship : intimacy

2

: lack of formality : freedom and ease in personal relations

3

: close acquaintance with or knowledge of something

4

: an overly bold act or expression