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
as in ignorance
the state of being unaware or uninformed
some intense studying rapidly remedied my unfamiliarity with the subject in time for the exam
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unfamiliar
Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
Check System Settings > General > Login Items for anything unfamiliar.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Emily Forlini, PC Magazine, 26 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unfamiliar
Adjective
Changes in the home environment, such as a new routine, unfamiliar people or animals, or extended periods of being alone, can lead to stress or separation anxiety, both of which may increase vocalization.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
Check System Settings > General > Login Items for anything unfamiliar.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
But two weeks before, McMahon exposed her unfamiliarity with the technology after calling it A1, as in the steak sauce, while speaking on a panel about education innovation.
—Emily Forlini, PC Magazine, 26 Aug. 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
Noun
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Knowledge-wise, science may be advancing, but, politically, its powers of persuasion are in retreat, in a moment defined, in many ways, by ignorance and narrow-minded grievance.—
Jon Allsop,
New Yorker,
29 Aug. 2025
-
The best romance fiction has the ability to fundamentally change the genre at its core, offering happy endings where only ignorance has existed.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
28 Aug. 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
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New York — At the heart of the case against the man accused of the Gilgo Beach killings is DNA evidence — but the novel way that evidence was tested may now determine whether prosecutors can use it against their prime suspect, Long Island architect and family man Rex Heuermann.—
Michelle Watson,
CNN Money,
2 Sep. 2025
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This discovery opens the door to developing novel interventions to improve attention and memory, as well as designing brain-computer interface technology that enhances selective processing and the storing of information.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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An unprecedented marine heatwave in 2023 caused bleaching events that severely damaged many of Florida's reefs.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
3 Sep. 2025
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Indeed, concentration camps prove to be a viable political option with a friendly Supreme Court ready to affirm President Cadwallader’s unprecedented use of executive orders.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 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
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When Tony's security company faces an attack from unknown malicious forces, the family goes on the run across Europe while figuring out who is after them, according to Paramount.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
3 Sep. 2025
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At this time, the containment status is unknown and the cause of the fire remains undetermined.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unfamiliar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfamiliar. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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