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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of unfamiliar
Mariah Franklin, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
The uncanniness of twisting the paraphernalia of daily life into something unfamiliar or strange satisfied the Surrealist desire to subvert convention and tap into the unconscious.
—Eliza Goodpasture, ARTnews.com, 15 Apr. 2026
Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2026
The inexperience and unfamiliarity of playing with one another started to become less of an issue.
—Dean Spiros, Twin Cities, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unfamiliar
Adjective
There'd be too much profit lost and too much risk tied to having a company represent itself in unfamiliar international markets.
—Mariah Franklin, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
The uncanniness of twisting the paraphernalia of daily life into something unfamiliar or strange satisfied the Surrealist desire to subvert convention and tap into the unconscious.
—Eliza Goodpasture, ARTnews.com, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
The unfamiliarity with the play makes it that much harder to execute.
—Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2026
The inexperience and unfamiliarity of playing with one another started to become less of an issue.
—Dean Spiros, Twin Cities, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unfamiliar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfamiliar
Adjective
-
Getty Images With five weeks of Europe’s biggest domestic league seasons left to play, all kinds of strange scorelines are starting to roll in.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 2026
-
The end of kayfabe brought about a strange artistic flourishing—wrestling postmodernism.—
Zach Helfand,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Both times, international and domestic West German news outlets expressed alarm about students’ ignorance.—
Daniela R. P. Weiner,
The Conversation,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Our society seems to be spiraling into a vortex of callousness, ignorance, cynicism, violence, intolerance, and hate.—
Rabbi Dan Levin,
Sun Sentinel,
14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Even without the latest new-fangled gadgets, anglers are more technologically equipped than ever with things like GPS, electronic contour maps of lakes auto-steering trolling motors.—
Mike McFeely,
Twin Cities,
24 Apr. 2026
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McVay also said the decision to draft Simpson does not impact contract negotiations with Stafford as the Rams look to give him a new deal ahead of next season.—
Adam Grosbard,
Oc Register,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The novel swings between the trivial and the dire, and in her bleakest moments Adora leans on the Stoics for guidance, thinking, C’mon, boys, don’t fail me now!—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Defying norms forces people to tap into a novel school of thought.—
Heide Janssen,
Oc Register,
19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The restaurant’s wine program, curated in partnership with Sotheby’s Wine, will offer unprecedented access to special, older vintages and dynamic new releases from both renowned estates and rising-star producers, according to the auction house.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
17 Apr. 2026
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Arizona has experienced a steady rise in average temperatures over the past 25 years, with record-breaking high temperatures, including the state’s unprecedented, 100-degree-plus heat wave in March.—
Arizona Republic,
AZCentral.com,
17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The verdant burst is always welcome after a dreary winter, and the bright, fresh flavors of spring vegetables are like a breath of fresh air on the table, too.—
Becky Krystal,
Washington Post,
20 Apr. 2026
-
July 23 – August 22 What fresh view broadens your world today?—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The cost of the project has ballooned as well, from an original projection of €200 million to €507 million, according to recent estimates.—
Harrison Jacobs,
ARTnews.com,
23 Apr. 2026
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The option marks the latest addition to Phiphen’s growing slate of literary adaptations and original projects across film and television.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The conditions and transport status of the other three victims are unknown.—
Ana Maria Soler,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
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The cases were further advanced through investigative genetic genealogy, which allowed detectives to identify possible relatives of the unknown suspect.—
Angelique Brenes,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unfamiliar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfamiliar. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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