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

• 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

Most of this week was spent familiarizing the new arrivals with their home for the next six to eight months and preparing for the departure of Endurance, Crew-10's Dragon capsule. —Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 9 Aug. 2025

This might also be a good opportunity to familiarize themselves with the bathrooms and how things work. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Aug. 2025

This week's batch of songs includes classics like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, paired with visuals that help kids learn more about team work and familiarizes bedtime routines. —Annabelle Canela, Parents, 8 Aug. 2025

After a comprehensive lesson, zip along the glorious coastline between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach to familiarize yourself with your chic ride. —Melinda Sheckells, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025

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