unfamiliar
adjective
un·fa·mil·iar
ˌən-fə-ˈmil-yər 
: not familiar:
a
: not well-known : strange
an unfamiliar place
b
: not well acquainted
unfamiliar with the subject
Examples of unfamiliar in a Sentence
He gets nervous when he is in unfamiliar surroundings.
The book is full of unfamiliar words.
Recent Examples on the Web
Being sent to an unfamiliar war zone far from their countries of origin, families or communities must feel like another criminal sentence.
—
Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
During a recent board meeting, Myers used AI to clarify unfamiliar terms instead of raising her hand to ask questions.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 11 July 2025
Participants who intentionally sought discomfort – from public speaking to confronting unfamiliar ideas – reported greater long-term growth, engagement, and meaning.
—Esmt Berlin, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
In his fourth-round match against Grigor Dimitrov, Sinner found himself in unfamiliar territory, dropping the first two sets before the match took a turn when Dimitrov retired due to a pectoral injury.
—Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for unfamiliar
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Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
During a recent board meeting, Myers used AI to clarify unfamiliar terms instead of raising her hand to ask questions.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 11 July 2025
Participants who intentionally sought discomfort – from public speaking to confronting unfamiliar ideas – reported greater long-term growth, engagement, and meaning.
—Esmt Berlin, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
In his fourth-round match against Grigor Dimitrov, Sinner found himself in unfamiliar territory, dropping the first two sets before the match took a turn when Dimitrov retired due to a pectoral injury.
—Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for unfamiliar
Cite this Entry
“Unfamiliar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfamiliar. Accessed 27 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unfamiliar
adjective
un·fa·mil·iar
ˌən-fə-ˈmil-yər
1
: not well-known : strange
an unfamiliar place
2
: not well acquainted
unfamiliar with the subject
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