familiar 1 of 2

Definition of familiarnext
1
2
3
4

familiar

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective familiar contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of familiar are common, ordinary, plain, popular, and vulgar. While all these words mean "generally met with and not in any way special, strange, or unusual," familiar stresses the fact of being generally known and easily recognized.

a familiar melody

When would common be a good substitute for familiar?

The words common and familiar can be used in similar contexts, but common implies usual everyday quality or frequency of occurrence and may additionally suggest inferiority or coarseness.

a common error
lacked common honesty
common manners

Where would ordinary be a reasonable alternative to familiar?

The words ordinary and familiar are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ordinary stresses conformance in quality or kind with the regular order of things.

an ordinary pleasant summer day
a very ordinary sort of man

When could plain be used to replace familiar?

While the synonyms plain and familiar are close in meaning, plain is likely to suggest homely simplicity.

plain hard-working people

When is popular a more appropriate choice than familiar?

In some situations, the words popular and familiar are roughly equivalent. However, popular applies to what is accepted by or prevalent among people in general sometimes in contrast to upper classes or special groups.

a writer of popular romances

How do vulgar and popular relate to one another, in the sense of familiar?

Vulgar, otherwise similar to popular, is likely to carry derogatory connotations (as of inferiority or coarseness).

souvenirs designed to appeal to the vulgar taste

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of familiar
Adjective
Trump repeatedly told Cassidy to sit down, according to a person familiar with the private meeting who was not authorized to discuss it. Mary Clare Jalonick, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026 This plan is familiar to previous approaches that make consumer electronics smarter. Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Noun
The Santal, in South Asia, believed that witches (always female) copulated with spirit familiars and devoured the organs of children. Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 17 May 2025 But before Guillermo leaves for good, Nandor offers him a seat in his coffin, which unexpectedly is revealed to be the secret entrance to the underground crime-fighting lair much to the former familiar's delight and surprise. Stacy Lambe, People.com, 17 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for familiar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for familiar
Adjective
  • With the wrap in front of you, fold up the edge closest to you.
    Gretchen McKay, Boston Herald, 24 June 2026
  • Because wells in the region are large and close to one another, restarting production will require significant coordination across companies and countries to ensure consistent pressure across multiple wells.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Hoffman’s mother, when Scheiber later speaks to her, is well acquainted with this flavor of incredulity.
    Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
  • Our niece became acquainted with a man through a website.
    Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • The Human Edge In An AI-First Era As AI becomes ubiquitous, the last real differentiator is human.
    Martin Simoncic, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
  • Even a brand name as ubiquitous as Walmart is always looking to strengthen its customer base.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • The passage is incoherent, yet, in conflating progressive reform with arrogant blind faith, it is perfectly suited to Vance’s cynical conservatism.
    Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 19 June 2026
  • To no one’s surprise, Bonnie is immediately transfixed by her Lilypad (voiced by Greta Lee, whose arrogant smarm effectively threads the needle between Maya Hawke’s Anxiety and Regina George’s everything else).
    David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • Still, despite the squad’s positivity, the match triggered a lot of bad memories in the minds of Spain fans everywhere ahead of what many thought could be an excellent chance to earn the nation’s second World Cup.
    Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 21 June 2026
  • Eftekhari worries that the mood at Iran’s first match, where fans and protesters clashed, affected the players.
    Gabriela Aoun Angueira, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026
Noun
  • Some travel from other parts of Minnesota after hearing about the fundraiser through friends or social media.
    Nick Lunemann, CBS News, 24 June 2026
  • The journey in seeing a friend’s city anew becomes another way of seeing home.
    Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Your gentle heart may crave recognition while your spirit needs quiet, so choose a smaller stage and keep the audience intimate.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 26 June 2026
  • The artist was beloved by Americans for his intimate portrayals of the country’s values.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • What clients actually purchase is judgment, confidence, strategic thinking, and the ability to make informed decisions under conditions of uncertainty.
    Joseph Andrew, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • Prioritize safety, stay informed, and act responsibly to protect lives and property.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Familiar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/familiar. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on familiar

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster