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 them] through their music. —Kyle Denis, Billboard, 30 Oct. 2025

Moreover, one person with familiarity of negotiations between the two parties confirmed to Footwear News that trade experts from both sides have been engaged in ongoing talks. —Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2025

This inherent familiarity could be a big reason why infused beverages have become one of the fastest-growing sectors of the cannabis industry; the global market is projected to crack $2 billion in annual revenue by 2026. —Chala June, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Oct. 2025

Founded On Partnership and Dedication RA & Associates is family-owned and operated by a husband-and-wife team, making the firm one founded on trust and familiarity. —Ethan Stone, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025

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