familiarize

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

Synonyms of familiarize

• inform
• advise
• tell
• instruct

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

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

Officials also advise travelers to carefully check their luggage for firearms or loose ammunition before departing for Saint Lucia and to familiarize themselves with local laws and customs before arriving. — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2026

Additionally, make sure to familiarize yourself with your state’s regulations, as regulations do differ by state. — Doreen Samelson, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

The athletes took practice runs on Monday, familiarizing themselves with the track ahead of Saturday’s regional finals. — Heather McRea, Oc Register, 7 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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