familiar 1 of 2

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
Amazon's Eero Pro 6E (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is a tri-band mesh that adds the 6-GHz band to the familiar 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz bands. Scott Gilbertson, Wired News, 3 July 2025 Resume or referral patterns that feel too familiar Look closer at your hiring pipeline. Michael Barnhart, Fortune, 3 July 2025
Noun
The girl is writing a letter to her brother, and the visitation, the Kid, the Thalidomide Kid, her frightful familiar, is taunting her. Joy Williams, Harper's Magazine, 14 Dec. 2022 Most recently, the actor played Count Dracula in this year's Renfield opposite Nicholas Hoult's titular familiar. Clark Collis, EW.com, 17 May 2023 See All Example Sentences for familiar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for familiar
Adjective
  • The figure surpasses that of the closest rival, China, which had 317 companies represented.
    Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 10 July 2025
  • Evening operations require a delicate balance: maintaining service standards while preparing for close and keeping everyone safe.
    Elie Y. Katz, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • The success of those songs thrust me into the mainstream and acquainted audiences with my face and sound.
    Richard Villegas, Rolling Stone, 16 May 2025
  • An up-and-coming leader can keep the interactions casual with a handshake, an introduction and an invitation to get more acquainted outside of the event.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • Beyond these ubiquitous technologies, the quieter rise of connected devices unfolded.
    Thomas Ryd, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Though the United States' EV adoption process may be sluggish compared to other countries, electric vehicles have become ubiquitous in some of the largest cities in America like Los Angeles and San Francisco.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • Her larger-than-life ego and past as a shaman make Player 044 come off as arrogant and selfish, getting under just about everyone's skin.
    EW.com, EW.com, 4 July 2025
  • In 2022, Ackles joined the cast of Prime Video's The Boys as arrogant superhero Soldier Boy.
    Brianne Tracy, People.com, 4 July 2025
Noun
  • Brit Page himself has been a popular fan pick to play 007 since his breakout starring turn in the first season of Netflix/Shondaland’s Bridgerton.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 8 July 2025
  • One of our favorite tested nail polishes, the Essie Gel Couture polish, is included in the sale, and other fan favorites, like the Revlon Lustrous Lipstick made the cut, too.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • Next is a photo of The Morning Show star with her longtime friend Courteney Cox.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 1 July 2025
  • Indeed, environmental advocacy groups appear to share her concerns, and several, including Friends of the Everglades, sued the DeSantis administration on Friday in an effort to halt the project.
    Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • But in the end, the need for intimate human connection outweighed the promise of professional opportunity.
    Sophie Okolo, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • Square Peg Social will include private dinners, special programming, and intimate gatherings desgned to foster conversation and collaboration for those looking to expand their careers in the world of film.
    Rance Collins, IndieWire, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • Beyond these concrete indicators, a good advisor should be able to explain the risks, rewards, and structure of any investment clearly, helping the investor make an informed decision.
    Fred Hubler, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • The committee members serve as outside experts who help the CDC make informed decisions about vaccines.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 7 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Familiar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/familiar. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on familiar

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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