1
as in close
closely acquainted
the little inside jokes that people who have long been familiar like to share
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in acquainted
having information especially as a result of study or experience
book editors who are familiar with what is being taught in the schools
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in ubiquitous
often observed or encountered
the woman and her pair of Welsh corgis were a familiar sight in the quiet neighborhood
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in arrogant
showing a lack of proper social reserve or modesty
rather too familiar for a first-time guest in our home, the woman kept asking how much we paid for this or for that
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in fan
someone who regularly spends time in a particular place
a longtime familiar of the bar, she would most likely have been there on the night in question
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in friend
a person who has a strong liking for and trust in another
with old familiars the normally reserved writer can be quite warm and funny
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of familiar
William Jones, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
Over time, the email conversation had become familiar, even chummy.
—Jamie Thompson, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025
Stacy Lambe, People.com, 17 Dec. 2024
The town is populated with familiars: her brother, her best friend, a new lover, a new grandniece.
—Condé Nast, The New Yorker, 17 July 2023
See All Example Sentences for familiar
Adjective
The caucus will write its own version, but the rhythm is familiar.
—William Jones, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
Over time, the email conversation had become familiar, even chummy.
—Jamie Thompson, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
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
The town is populated with familiars: her brother, her best friend, a new lover, a new grandniece.
—Condé Nast, The New Yorker, 17 July 2023
See All Example Sentences for familiar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for familiar
Adjective
-
This was a decisive turn away from Hasina’s India-first posture and toward closer alignment with Beijing.—
MUHIB RAHMAN,
Foreign Affairs,
12 Nov. 2025
-
Highly acidic foods like pickles and tomatoes will react with the can after an extended period of time, causing both taste and texture changes so pay particularly close attention to expiration dates on these items.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
11 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
In addition to its informative aspects, the event offers numerous opportunities for networking, Manning added, allowing the attendees to become acquainted and refer business to each other.—
Janice Phelan,
Kansas City Star,
23 Oct. 2025
-
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
Adjective
-
Luxury brands have sought to distance themselves from the increasingly shabby in-store experience and ubiquitous mark-downs at department stores.—
Phil Wahba,
Fortune,
7 Nov. 2025
-
This particular mashup hardly counts as culturally ubiquitous in 2025.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
This version of Ryan was arrogant, unable to conceal pride in his accomplishment.—
Jamie Thompson,
The Atlantic,
6 Nov. 2025
-
So long as that situation continues, the 43-year-old’s allegedly arrogant and stand-offish treatment of his players will not worry the club hierarchy too much.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
That, combined with a decisive second-half performance, represented the good in Sunday’s matchup, the part that may give fans hope about a return trip to the NCAA Tournament.—
Scott Chasen,
Kansas City Star,
10 Nov. 2025
-
When Posa slammed Washington quarterback Demond Williams to the ground for a game-clincher on fourth-and-6, some 70,000 fans erupted as if thawed from a long freeze.—
Ira Gorawara,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The introduction was from my father, who was a friend of his in another lifetime.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Listeners can also share their stats with friends, see who had a better top artist of the year, and poke fun at the embarrassing songs that ended up on their charts.—
Kaycee Sloan,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The scale of this social media-free existence felt more human, more intimate.—
Lindsay Lowe,
Parents,
8 Nov. 2025
-
With just 13 bedrooms overlooking Bantry Bay, the hotel stands as an intimate ode to art and viticulture.—
Emily Baldwin,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Ohio weather watches and warnings Stay informed.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Michigan weather watches and warnings Stay informed.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Freep.com,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Familiar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/familiar. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
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