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Definitions

familiar

[fuh-mil-yer] / fəˈmɪl yər /
ADJECTIVE
common, well-known
Synonyms
STRONGEST
intimate mundane recognizable simple usual
STRONG
commonplace domestic homespun household native natural ordinary plain routine stock
WEAK
accustomed conventional customary everyday frequent garden variety habitual humble informal known matter-of-fact old hat prosaic proverbial repeated unceremonious unsophisticated wonted workaday
Antonyms
STRONG
abnormal alien business different extraordinary foreign industrial original uncommon unusual
WEAK
aloof cold cool distant ignorant new reserved strange unacquainted unapproachable undistinguished unfamiliar unfriendly unknowledgeable unknown unremarkable
ADJECTIVE
knowledgeable
Synonyms
STRONGEST
acquainted aware conversant
STRONG
savvy versant
WEAK
abreast apprised at home with au courant au fait cognizant conscious grounded in on in the know informed introduced kept posted mindful no stranger to plugged in tuned-in up up on versed in well up in with it
Antonyms
STRONGEST
ignorant
WEAK
aloof cold cool distant foreign new reserved strange unacquainted unapproachable uncommon undistinguished unfamiliar unfriendly unknowledgeable unknown unremarkable
ADJECTIVE
friendly, bold
Synonyms
STRONGEST
comfortable easy intimate
STRONG
close cordial cozy dear forward free open palsy smart snug sociable thick wise
WEAK
affable amicable buddy-buddy chummy confidential free-and-easy fresh genial gracious impudent informal intrusive near neighborly nervy obtrusive officious palsy-walsy presuming presumptuous relaxed sassy tight unceremonious unconstrained unreserved
Antonyms
STRONGEST
unhappy
STRONG
cool loose stupid uncomfortable unfriendly unintelligent unsociable
WEAK
aloof cold distant foreign ignorant new reserved strange unacquainted unapproachable uncommon undistinguished unfamiliar unknowledgeable unknown unremarkable

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.

This year, Tesla has spoken with some Chinese suppliers about placing orders for components that would be enough to make thousands of Optimus units, people familiar with the discussions said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Trump is considering nominating EPA head Lee Zeldin as Bondi’s successor, according to people familiar with the matter.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

But they returned home at the end of the night with a familiar sinking feeling.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Elon Musk's SpaceX has filed confidential papers with US securities regulators for what could be the largest-ever public stock offering, a source familiar with the matter told AFP on Wednesday.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

I don’t know what she’s talking about, and I’m filled with the feeling that has become familiar in my encounters with her: embarrassment.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.