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Showing results for unfamiliar.
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.

As a recently fledged bird hops around on the ground, unfamiliar choughs swoop down and gently herd it away to join them—that’s how desperate these birds are for helpers.

From Slate • May 10, 2026

The results of Thursday's local elections suggest that it may see the country's first-past-the-post electoral system operate in an unfamiliar manner too.

From BBC • May 9, 2026

Travel often combines unfamiliar surroundings with relaxing experiences.

From Science Daily • May 4, 2026

Even without giving speeches or interviews, Powell will introduce an unfamiliar dynamic by sitting in the room as those debates unfold.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026

It wasn’t an unfamiliar sensation for him, as someone who knew well enough how a ghost could cling, but this was different.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny

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!