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
And instead of sticking with Flacco going into a Week 5 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, the Browns will reportedly opt to start a rookie quarterback in unfamiliar territory in more ways than one.
—
MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
That highlights the need for all road users to be prepared for different scenarios in unfamiliar settings.
—Eric D. Lawrence, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025
Many of the details will come as no surprise to Steve, who has spent the last year in unfamiliar territory, studying witness statements and speaking to those who were on the scene after his brother collapsed in his seat.
—Steve Madeley, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjusting to a new culture and navigating unfamiliar systems wasn’t easy, but the warmth of the people made the transition smoother.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unfamiliar
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MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
That highlights the need for all road users to be prepared for different scenarios in unfamiliar settings.
—Eric D. Lawrence, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025
Many of the details will come as no surprise to Steve, who has spent the last year in unfamiliar territory, studying witness statements and speaking to those who were on the scene after his brother collapsed in his seat.
—Steve Madeley, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjusting to a new culture and navigating unfamiliar systems wasn’t easy, but the warmth of the people made the transition smoother.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 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 4 Oct. 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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