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
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
Matt Richardson, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
For the first time since 1982, scientists have formally identified a new bird species in Japan — not by spotting an unfamiliar creature in the wild, but by examining what lies hidden in its genome and encoded in its song.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2026
Janis MacKey Frayer, NBC news, 26 Jan. 2026
But there’s also a bit of unfamiliarity, as Peterson said he’s never dealt with cramping that has lingered this long before.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unfamiliar
Adjective
Getty Images/iStockphoto Gold investors who got started with the precious metal in recent months, expecting that the metal's seemingly never-ending price rise would continue unabated, experienced something unfamiliar this March – gold's price actually dropped.
—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
For the first time since 1982, scientists have formally identified a new bird species in Japan — not by spotting an unfamiliar creature in the wild, but by examining what lies hidden in its genome and encoded in its song.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
Asked about Zhang at a regular briefing of reporters in Beijing, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson cited unfamiliarity with the matter.
—Janis MacKey Frayer, NBC news, 26 Jan. 2026
But there’s also a bit of unfamiliarity, as Peterson said he’s never dealt with cramping that has lingered this long before.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unfamiliar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfamiliar
Adjective
-
Some 18 months ago, Mack said, the Royals launched a deep dive after Picollo broached the possibility of exploring strange new worlds.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2026
-
But rather than avoiding strange quantum phenomena such as superposition and entanglement, Bennett and Brassard embraced them.—
Joseph Howlett,
Scientific American,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Disagreeing with presidential actions is one thing, but opining on the psychology behind his decisions shows ignorance.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Many fear losing their jobs, sometimes through ignorance rather than data.—
Kamal Ahmed,
Fortune,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Even the more politically active class of nonprofits — 501(c)(4) groups, like the relatively new American Hunters and Anglers — can’t make political activity its primary activity.—
Natalie Krebs,
Outdoor Life,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The Colorado Rockies are rolling out a lineup of new food offerings ahead of Opening Day, featuring everything from oversized hot dogs to inventive twists on classic ballpark staples.—
Jasmine Arenas,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But police use of the novel technology has attracted criticism – and it’s been linked to other cases of misidentification.—
Zoe Sottile,
CNN Money,
29 Mar. 2026
-
The first is curiosity — the drive to generate novel questions, not just process existing ones.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
But Felder also feared that the attack would provoke unprecedented violence against Palestinians, and believed that being Jewish required adhering to certain moral precepts.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
-
The mission won’t land on the moon but will take astronauts deeper into space than ever, offering unprecedented views of the lunar far side.—
Marcia Dunn,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Breakfast with thick waffles or puffy omelets come with housemade fresh cinnamon rolls the size of a baseball, drizzled with icing.—
Bud Kennedy,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Across the Charlotte area, more than two dozen markets are offering fresh produce, baked goods, flowers and more, all while supporting local growers and makers.—
Evan Moore
March 30,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Throughout the property, the original building's bones— beams, tiles, pillars, and window frames—were gently restored to show their age and patina, not conceal it.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Judge Barrett, who handed down the original sentence, will likely be the one to do it.—
Chierstin Roth,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
As of Saturday, police said the motive and the suspect's relationship to the victim were unknown.—
Andrew Adeolu,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Set the scene Compared to Vietnam’s big-hitting destinations—Hôi An, Hạ Long Bay—Phú Yên, on the south central coast, is virtually unknown, which is a wonderful thing.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unfamiliar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfamiliar. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
