familiarize

1 of 2

verb

fa·​mil·​iar·​ize fə-ˈmil-yə-ˌrīz 

familiarized; familiarizing

transitive verb

1

: to make known or familiar

… Shakespeare … familiarizes the wonderful …

—Samuel Johnson

2

: to make well acquainted

familiarize students with good literature

familiarization

fə-ˌmil-yə-rə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

familiarization

2 of 2

noun

fa·​mil·​iar·​iza·​tion

variants also British familiarisation

fəˌmilyərə̇ˈzāshən, 

-ˌrīˈz

plural -s

: the act or process or an instance of familiarizing

Synonyms of familiarize

Verb

• inform
• advise
• tell
• instruct

Examples of familiarize in a Sentence

Verb

I've been slowly familiarizing myself with the neighborhood.

the general's day-to-day duties included familiarizing the president on international developments

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The following are key fridge components with which to familiarize yourself. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 6 Aug. 2026

Here are some ways to familiarize your youngster with their new environment. — Karin A. Bilich, Parents, 4 Aug. 2026

Before departing, officials recommend that people familiarize themselves with local laws and customs. — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2026

That gives local supervisors of elections time to prepare voters, and voters time to familiarize themselves with new districts and candidates. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 18 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for familiarize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize

Kids Definition

familiarize

verb

fa·​mil·​iar·​ize fə-ˈmil-yə-ˌrīz 

familiarized; familiarizing

: to make familiar

familiarize yourself with the place

familiarization

-ˌmil-yə-rə-ˈzā-shən 

noun