UNFAMILIAR Synonyms: 32 Similar and Opposite Words

unfamiliar

adjective

ˌən-fə-ˈmil-yər

Definition of unfamiliar

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

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 Williams explained that the incident occurred during a time of year when young foxes begin separating from their families and exploring unfamiliar areas. — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 30 Aug. 2026 Another resident in Bissau, Carolina Djeme, said the constitution is unfamiliar to her. — ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026 This isn’t unfamiliar territory across college football, where hitting the portal for a few offensive linemen is the norm. — Bob Ferrante, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026 In the first test, 8 dogs were shown happy or neutral human faces that were unfamiliar to them, while the MRI scanned their brains. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfamiliar

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfamiliar

Adjective

In a strange quirk of the 2026-27 fixture list, Leeds have been sent to the scenes of those crimes in quick succession once again.

— Beren Cross, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
In short, unruly crowds, strange smells, intrusive noise and late nights are not unique inventions of the TikTok era.

— Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of strange

Adjective

Frontier labs, neoclouds and companies building software and novel tech for AI — both in private and public markets — have been recipients of cash, with the value of Nvidia’s equity holdings also buoyed by skyrocketing tech stocks.

— Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2026
Her recent read of Annie Ernaux's novel Simple Passion, which follows the story of a woman consumed by an affair, also left Rodrigo musing over the topic of romantic passion.

— Leila Fadel, NPR, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of novel

Adjective

As Dolly Parton fans find solace in her music after her death, her songs are surging to unprecedented levels on the charts.

— KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
New models emerge rapidly, pricing changes frequently, and capabilities improve at an unprecedented pace.

— Prajkta Waditwar, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of unprecedented

Adjective

But with the newer franchises, the deepest wounds are still fresh, so unlike Kim Zolciak and Nene, opposing parties in those cities are having a harder time celebrating the sisterhood of it all.

— Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026
Back then, Canales was a fresh-faced teenager who was seen as the future of Spanish football.

— David Ornstein, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of fresh

Adjective

With its satin-matte technology and expansive shade range, the original Pro Filt’r Soft Matte foundation revolutionized how other brands approached shades, undertones, and pigments when building their own foundation libraries.

— Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 4 Sep. 2026
The client, who lives in Maryland, was scheduled to appear in Falls Church instead of at her original court location in Hyattsville.

— Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of original

Adjective

What led to the trooper making the traffic stop also is unknown, as Idaho State Police declined to provide further information about the incident.

— Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 8 Sep. 2026
Over the past year, this warbler carried a multisensor geolocator backpack throughout his migratory journey, recording the long trek from his breeding grounds in Anchorage, Alaska, to a yet unknown winter refuge and back again.

— Stephanie Szarmach, The Conversation, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of unknown

Browse Nearby Words

unfaltering

unfamiliar

unfamiliarity

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Style

“Unfamiliar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfamiliar. Accessed 9 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of unfamiliar

adjective

Example Sentences

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