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 Next come the appointments, scans and unfamiliar words that suddenly become part of daily life. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 9 Sep. 2026 Some psychologists, however, questioned whether behavior alone could adequately explain complex abilities such as remembering information, understanding language, solving unfamiliar problems, and making decisions. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 Sep. 2026 This isn’t unfamiliar territory for Allen, who was the preseason favorite in 2022 and has been among the top four MVP favorites at the start of every season since 2021. — Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026 Gustav Forsling was at a familiar site on Tuesday but preparing for something very unfamiliar. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 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

Former Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon resigned from his role in pre-training AI models over safety concerns, claiming the unchecked corporate race to develop AI poses an unprecedented danger to humanity.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2026
Crowds were drained by unprecedented heat and fans (and conferences) were set off by clock disparities.

— Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 9 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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“Unfamiliar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfamiliar. Accessed 11 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of unfamiliar

adjective

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