Synonyms for

Acquaintance

Verb / ʌˈkweɪntʌns / Another word for acquaintance — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

An acquaintance is someone you know, but not very well.

Synonyms & similar words

conversancy familiarity conversance stranger friend acquaintanceship associate companion contact familiar friend neighbor pal partner peer colleague ally confrere crony mate accomplice confidant consociate helper supporter well-wisher

Synonyms by register

Formal

contact associate connection acquaintance

Informal

buddy pal mate neighbor contact

Literary

familiar neighbor

Antonyms

stranger enemy opponent rival outsider foreigner

Common collocations

  • make an acquaintance
  • casual acquaintance
  • slight acquaintance
  • old acquaintance
  • new acquaintance
  • mutual acquaintance
  • acquaintance of a friend

Word family

noun acquaintance
verb acquaint
adjective acquainted
adverb acquaintedly

Usage note

An acquaintance is someone you know slightly, but not well. It is often used to distinguish from a friend or close associate.

Example sentences

  1. I met a new acquaintance at the park today.
  2. My mom is friends with many of her acquaintances from work.
  3. I only have a few acquaintances at school, but I'm hoping to make more friends.
  4. It's always nice to see an old acquaintance and catch up.
  5. I don't know him very well, he's just an acquaintance.

Quotes

  • The only true test of friendship is the time your friend spends on you. - John Marsden
  • The best way to destroy an enemy is to make him a friend. - Abraham Lincoln
  • A true friend is someone who is there for you when he'd rather be anywhere else. - Len Wein

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words