familiarity

noun

fa·​mil·​iar·​i·​ty fə-ˌmi-lē-ˈ(y)er-ə-tē How to pronounce familiarity (audio)
-ˈ(y)a-rə-;
-ˌmil-ˈyer-, 
-ˌmil-ˈya-rə-
plural familiarities
Synonyms of familiaritynext
1
a
: the quality or state of being familiar
b
: a state of close relationship : intimacy
2
a
: absence of ceremony : informality
b
: an unduly informal act or expression : impropriety
c
: a sexual liberty
3
: close acquaintance with something

Synonyms of familiarity

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Examples of familiarity in a Sentence

He spoke to everyone with the easy familiarity of an old friend. the elderly couple enjoys a familiarity that is the result of many years of happy marriage
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Perhaps the band’s greatest strength is being able to project an intimate familiarity with the present, while drawing freely from the ’60s and ’70s. — Ernesto Lechner, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Specialist short-drama companies may have an edge in agility, performance marketing and familiarity with new acquisition channels over traditional entertainment firms, Haslam said. — Matthew Tan, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026 The familiarity of the characters is something writer Albertina Rizzo kept in mind, too. — Mya Copeland, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026 Still, Robinson sees opportunities for the wideouts, including former Bears teammate Darnell Mooney, whose familiarity with Nagy’s system from their time together in Chicago can help the Giants utilize the veteran deep threat. — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for familiarity

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of familiarity was in the 13th century

Rhymes for familiarity

See All Rhymes for familiarity

Browse Nearby Words

familiarism
familiarity
familiarization
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Familiarity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/familiarity. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

familiarity

noun
fa·​mil·​iar·​i·​ty fə-ˌmil-ˈyar-ət-ē How to pronounce familiarity (audio)
-ˌmil-ē-ˈar-
plural familiarities
1
: close friendship : intimacy
2
: lack of formality : freedom and ease in personal relations
3
: close acquaintance with or knowledge of something
4
: an overly bold act or expression
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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