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Definitions

unfamiliar

[uhn-fuh-mil-yer] / ˌʌn fəˈmɪl yər /
ADJECTIVE
different, strange
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bizarre curious exotic foreign new obscure peculiar unaccustomed unexpected unexplored unknown unusual
WEAK
alien anomalous extraordinary fantastic little-known novel original out-of-the-way outlandish recondite remarkable remote uncommon uninvestigated
Antonyms
STRONGEST
common familiar known normal ordinary regular standard usual
WEAK
experienced knowing versed
ADJECTIVE
inexperienced; not knowing about
Synonyms
STRONGEST
oblivious unaccustomed unaware unknown
WEAK
ignorant incognizant inconversant not associated not versed in out of contact unacquainted unconversant uninformed uninitiated uninstructed unknowing unpracticed unskilled unversed unwitting
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aware
WEAK
experienced familiar knowing known usual versed

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Remaining in an existing home has powerful appeal compared with uprooting one’s life and relocating to somewhere new and unfamiliar.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

In recent years, a number of gray whales have been spotted feeding in unfamiliar areas, including the heavily trafficked waters of San Francisco Bay.

From Science Daily • Apr. 13, 2026

The prosecutor and the trial judge were not unfamiliar names.

From Slate • Apr. 10, 2026

And yet, as Daniela Gerson observes in “The Wanderers,” the survival stories of the Jewish refugees under Stalin remain largely unfamiliar.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

Lena’s hut was gone, replaced by an unfamiliar road with trees on all sides; half the trees had decided to put on their fall colors, but the other half stubbornly clung to summer green.

From Anya and the Nightingale by Sofiya Pasternack

Vocabulary lists containing unfamiliar

TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!