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

Parents may be juggling multiple jobs, language barriers, transportation issues, or limited familiarity with educational systems. — Scott White, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

But part of the safety and familiarity of their collaboration is exploring new kinds of music together. — Harry Levin, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026

Maresca was, of course, working as Guardiola’s assistant during that 2022-23 season, having already been City’s under-23s manager, and his familiarity with the club meant the words ‘Welcome back Enzo’ were emblazoned above him at his unveiling. — Sam Lee, New York Times, 25 July 2026

With real couples, the sense of love and familiarity was already present. — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 22 July 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