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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
Bill Holdings — Shares gained more than 5% after Reuters , citing sources familiar, said activist investor Starboard Value has nominated four directors, including one of its partners, to the board of Bill Holdings. Sarah Min, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025 Boxy smart projectors are pretty common in today's marketplace, but the PlayCube puts a new twist on the familiar form factor. New Atlas, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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 Beyond the internet hype machine, the product variety hits unsuspecting retail shoppers across financial buckets, design conscious online patrons and a host of famous familiars. Jacqueline Schneider, Forbes, 5 May 2023 See All Example Sentences for familiar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for familiar
Adjective
  • He was acquired, along with closer Victor Vodnik, in a July 2023 trade with the Braves for reliever Pierce Johnson.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 17 Sep. 2025
  • In the last fortnight alone, Starmer's Deputy Prime Minister and close ally Angela Rayner has resigned after a house tax scandal, triggering a major cabinet reshuffle.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Caron became acquainted with NESN’s people during the 1994-95 NHL lockout, during which the network covered a number of the Pirates’ games while the Bruins weren’t playing, including a playoff series involving the Pirates and the Providence Bruins.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 29 Aug. 2025
  • That's where Chad Volk, who opened LC Car Care in Lake Crystal in 2018, became well acquainted with the 2015 Edge.
    Jamie L. LaReau, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Now, drones are ubiquitous on the front lines.
    Joseph Nepomuceno, The Washington Examiner, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Its floral and stripe prints have transcended fashion, and have become ubiquitous with Finland, ultimately becoming key symbols of the country's creative identity.
    Stephan Rabimov, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Zane played the arrogant Cal Hockley, who was engaged to Jack's love interest, Rose (played by Kate Winslet).
    Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Hardly seems like enough to cow these arrogant companies into behaving, especially when their business model is so intrinsically tied to hoovering up other people’s information and creative work.
    James Folta, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The World Athletics website has live results and a full schedule for fans to keep up with.
    Katelyn Hutchison, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • This is part of a business model that has worked for TCU’s regular-season record, but increasingly frustrates fans who want to see a decent matchup in September.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Lance Suaste, a junior at the university, was walking past the nearby Mountain Run apartments, having just been dropped off after spending the day at a friend’s house.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The conflict between Israel and Palestine was dividing friends, sparking tensions, and fueling rising acts of hostility.
    Rchin Bari, Boston Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Unlike other ultra-luxury brands that were reconstituted in the past few decades under new ownership, Maybach has intimate century-long ties with its mother, Mercedes-Benz.
    Mark Ewing, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Boston and its environs are a treasure trove of intimate spaces and sweeping views, dreamy restaurants and enchanting balconies.
    Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • By sharing stories of corruption, privilege and inequality, social media not only informed but also galvanized Nepal’s youth, motivating collective mobilization against the country’s systemic injustice.
    Nir Kshetri, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Stay informed, stay vigilant, and prioritize safety when enjoying the surf.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Familiar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/familiar. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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