as in strange
not known or experienced before
ordered an unfamiliar wine and was surprised to find that it was much drier than what they were used to
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unfamiliar
Report suspicious charges to your insurer right away – unfamiliar claims could mean someone is trying to use your benefits.
—
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Today, many of the references in the one-act, 100-minute musical are dated, and audience members unfamiliar with theater history are likely to miss many of the references and inside jokes.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025
For those unfamiliar with the sport, rest easy — there are only occasional references to the business of soccer (for instance, former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson) — but Saipan is not a sports film in the usual sense, although it could be described as a battle of wills.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025
Beau Monde seasoning may be a bit unfamiliar to you.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unfamiliar
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Today, many of the references in the one-act, 100-minute musical are dated, and audience members unfamiliar with theater history are likely to miss many of the references and inside jokes.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025
For those unfamiliar with the sport, rest easy — there are only occasional references to the business of soccer (for instance, former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson) — but Saipan is not a sports film in the usual sense, although it could be described as a battle of wills.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025
Beau Monde seasoning may be a bit unfamiliar to you.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unfamiliar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfamiliar
Adjective
-
Because something very strange happens here.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Probably not, given the company’s strange hesitance to part ways with its current leadership.—
Graham Hillard,
The Washington Examiner,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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That new equalized funding formula went into effect after a three-year transition period in 2024, when 44 groups each got $9,269, according to the three-year awards report.—
Claudia Levens,
jsonline.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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Swiss transportation company Twiliner is kicking off a new night bus service later this year that will be more akin to a business class airline seat than your typical bus.—
Opheli Garcia Lawler,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
This novel rocks just as hard as its heroine, Opal, a badass Black singer in the ‘60s and ‘70s made in the image of icons like Grace Jones and Betty Davis.—
Lauren Morrow
September 9,
Literary Hub,
9 Sep. 2025
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This allows bitBiome researchers to identify novel genes to insert into a standard laboratory protein-production organism and generate samples of potentially interesting new versions of the enzymes or proteins encoded by the isolated gene sequences.—
Steven Savage,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The unprecedented nature of the election leaves a lot of variables unknown.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
10 Sep. 2025
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The format grants viewers unprecedented control over programming elements, from influencing contestant challenges involving current events and social issues to deciding elimination outcomes and performance selections.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The 12-piece line, featuring colorful plates, cups, candleholders, and a show-stopping spiral vase, reimagines classic Swedish holiday traditions with a fresh, joyful edge.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Sep. 2025
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Troost-Ekong Pushes Back Against Doubters Visionhaus/Getty Images Captain William Troost-Ekong drew on Nigeria’s history while insisting this is a fresh challenge.—
Sindiswa Mabunda,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The sandwiches are named with references to art, such as the Van Gogh made with roast beef, fresh dill, Havarti cheese, sprouts and deli mustard on pumpernickel bread; or the hot Picasso made with savory meatballs, provolone cheese and Mama Cosenza’s original Italian sauce on an 8-inch baguette.—
Endia Fontanez,
AZCentral.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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Edd Kimber, the original winner of The Great British Baking Show in 2010, has carved out a career in the food world after his victory.—
Jane LaCroix,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The unprecedented nature of the election leaves a lot of variables unknown.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unfamiliar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfamiliar. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
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