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

Before the fun begins, San Diegans can familiarize themselves with the county’s laws and guidelines regarding the possession and use of fireworks to avoid a hefty fine or prison time. —Jaelyn Rodriguez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 July 2025

The Compounding Problem Any NBA player looking to maximize their earning potential over the next half-decade needs to familiarize themselves with the concept of compounding. —Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025

Find out ratings, read reviews, and familiarize yourself with the users on them. —Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 25 June 2025

It was included to familiarize moviegoers early and often with material before the film hits theaters in March 2026. —Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 23 June 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