familiarize

verb

fa·​mil·​iar·​ize fə-ˈmil-yə-ˌrīz How to pronounce familiarize (audio)
familiarized; familiarizing

transitive verb

1
: to make known or familiar
Shakespeare … familiarizes the wonderfulSamuel Johnson
2
: to make well acquainted
familiarize students with good literature
familiarization noun

Examples of familiarize in a Sentence

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Leaders considering implementing agentic AI should familiarize themselves with all of the potential hazards, and establish structured oversight frameworks to mitigate them. Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025 Allen recommends familiarizing yourself with your state’s requirements and keeping thorough documentation of your health and employment. Staff Author, Verywell Health, 3 July 2025 City Manager Julie Oakley said the city is working to train employees on the new ordinance and familiarize them with the reporting process. Naina Srivastava, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 Give yourself a leg up on the competition by familiarizing yourself with the terms below. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for familiarize

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of familiarize was in 1593

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Cite this Entry

“Familiarize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/familiarize. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

familiarize

verb
fa·​mil·​iar·​ize fə-ˈmil-yə-ˌrīz How to pronounce familiarize (audio)
familiarized; familiarizing
: to make familiar
familiarize yourself with the place
familiarization noun

More from Merriam-Webster on familiarize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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