Synonyms of unfamiliar

unfamiliar 1 of 2

adjective

ˌən-fə-ˈmil-yər 

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

• strange
• new
• novel
• unprecedented
• fresh
• original
• unknown
• unaccustomed
• unheard-of
• unique
• innovative
• nontraditional
• unconventional
• untried
• pioneering
• unused
• unworn
• trailblazing
• pathbreaking

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• familiar
• old
• tired
• hackneyed
• traditional
• conventional
• established
• tried
• time-honored
• warmed-over
• derivative
• tried-and-true
• imitative

unfamiliarity

2 of 2

noun

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

• ignorance
• unawareness
• innocence
• cluelessness
• obliviousness
• nescience
• inexperience
• naïveté
• benightedness
• incognizance
• greenness
• callowness
• rawness
• unsophistication
• simpleness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• familiarity
• awareness
• acquaintance
• experience
• cognizance
• sophistication
• know-how

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of unfamiliar

Adjective

If the merchant or transaction looks unfamiliar, do not enter the code. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026

The singer-songwriter played two intimate, phone-free shows in Hackney, London, and Brooklyn, New York, performing the album in its entirety to crowds that were largely unfamiliar with the new songs. — Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 17 Sep. 2026

Noun

Even a short period can act as an emotional and mental buffer, allowing your brain to re-adjust from the excitement and unfamiliarity of the road back to a standard, daily schedule. — Laura Kiniry, Popular Science, 17 June 2026

Perhaps the most difficult part of assimilating into a new community is embracing the unfamiliarity. — Better Homes & Gardens, 8 June 2026