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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 unfamiliar
Bo Bichette returned from injury to play some second base — an unfamiliar position — just when the Blue Jays needed him in the World Series.
—
Chad Jennings, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025
This helps reveal whether the same basic ingredients—such as water, carbon compounds, and silicates—exist in distant star systems or if 3I/ATLAS contains unfamiliar materials that hint at a different cosmic environment.
—Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025
Gomez said Bouvier asked him about a year ago to organize a project around the chapel and involve young people in it, many of whom are unfamiliar with its origins in Chasse-sur-Rhône.
—Kelly Meyerhofer, jsonline.com, 29 Oct. 2025
The series pits teams of two contestants, who usually know each other prior, against each other in a race across unfamiliar lands toward a $1 million cash prize.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unfamiliar
Chad Jennings, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025
This helps reveal whether the same basic ingredients—such as water, carbon compounds, and silicates—exist in distant star systems or if 3I/ATLAS contains unfamiliar materials that hint at a different cosmic environment.
—Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025
Gomez said Bouvier asked him about a year ago to organize a project around the chapel and involve young people in it, many of whom are unfamiliar with its origins in Chasse-sur-Rhône.
—Kelly Meyerhofer, jsonline.com, 29 Oct. 2025
The series pits teams of two contestants, who usually know each other prior, against each other in a race across unfamiliar lands toward a $1 million cash prize.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unfamiliar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfamiliar
Adjective
-
But then something strange happened.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
-
This addictive, loping track is one of the best and strangest songs from the artist’s fifth album.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The interdisciplinary approach brought the duke’s life and death to a stunning clarity — indicating how analyses can shed new light on age-old mysteries, even murders.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Nov. 2025
-
While earning a master's degree in exercise and coaching science at University College Dublin, she was introduced to CrossFit and discovered a new kind of challenge with its emphasis on versatility and constant adaptation.—
NWA Democrat-Gazette,
Arkansas Online,
10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The secret bar is one of several novel elements on the new ship that’s home-porting at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale this month in its inaugural sailing season.—
Vinod Sreeharsha,
Miami Herald,
11 Nov. 2025
-
One of the most novel concepts is the Williamsburg Bridge Marathon, which requires runners to traverse back and forth between Brooklyn and Manhattan.—
Ian Servantes,
Footwear News,
11 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Mamdani’s unprecedented ability to dominate the internet has led many to attribute his rise wholly to social media.—
Taylor Lorenz,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Nov. 2025
-
The unprecedented decision to halt benefits has panicked many recipients, driving them to overwhelmed food pantries to help feed themselves and their families.—
Lisa Respers France,
CNN Money,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Thailand accused Cambodia of laying fresh landmines following the removal of a barbed wire fence, which was discovered on November 9.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
11 Nov. 2025
-
The streamer has announced a series order for A Different World, a fresh sequel to the beloved 1990s sitcom that helped define a generation of Black television.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
11 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
This translation by Nancy Naomi Carlson preserves the rich musicality of the original French, as well as its frequent use of wordplay and often unusual word choice.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Jim Carrey inducted Soundgarden, bringing out the late Chris Cornell’s eldest daughter, Lily Cornell Silver, to speak about her father and introduce a performance by his former Soundgarden bandmates, including original member Hiro Yamamoto, with Taylor Momsen and Brandi Carlisle singing vocals.—
Nicole Fell,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
At this time, the containment status is unknown and the cause of the fire remains undetermined.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
12 Nov. 2025
-
While the exact details of the deal are unknown, it was reported that Sony made an initial $25 million profit from producing the film for Netflix.—
Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
11 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unfamiliar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfamiliar. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share