unfamiliar

adjective

un·​fa·​mil·​iar ˌən-fə-ˈmil-yər How to pronounce unfamiliar (audio)
Synonyms of unfamiliarnext
: not familiar:
a
: not well-known : strange
an unfamiliar place
—often used with to
used words that were unfamiliar to me
b
: not well acquainted
unfamiliar with the subject
unfamiliarity
ˌən-fə-ˌmil-ˈyer-ə-tē How to pronounce unfamiliar (audio)
-ˌmi-lē-ˈyer-, 
-ˈya-rə-
noun
unfamiliarly
ˌən-fə-ˈmil-yər-lē How to pronounce unfamiliar (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of unfamiliar

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Examples of unfamiliar in a Sentence

He gets nervous when he is in unfamiliar surroundings. The book is full of unfamiliar words.
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.
For bouquets, Wahlen recommends choosing one type of flower that has already been identified as non-toxic rather than an arrangement filled with unfamiliar stems and greenery, where a dangerous flower may be tucked among otherwise safe blooms. — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 Nalewaja, who attended, said Matsui appeared unfamiliar with issues facing people living in the Sierra foothills. — Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2026 You may be asked to enter unfamiliar territory or decide without complete information. — Bala Sathyanarayanan, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 If an unfamiliar program tries to connect to the internet, that may also be outbound traffic. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfamiliar

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unfamiliar was in 1594

Phrases Containing unfamiliar

Rhymes for unfamiliar

See All Rhymes for unfamiliar

Browse Nearby Words

unfamed
unfamiliar
unfamiliarity
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unfamiliar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfamiliar. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unfamiliar

adjective
un·​fa·​mil·​iar ˌən-fə-ˈmil-yər How to pronounce unfamiliar (audio)
1
: not well-known : strange
an unfamiliar place
2
: not well acquainted
unfamiliar with the subject
unfamiliarity
-ˌmil-ˈyar-ət-ē How to pronounce unfamiliar (audio)
-ˌmil-ē-ˈ(y)ar-
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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