Synonyms for

Unfamiliar

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

Definition

Not known or familiar.

Synonyms & similar words

familiar unknown strange foreign unaccustomed uncommon unexplored unheard-of unnatural unseasoned untried unusual alien exotic fresh new novel outlandish peculiar unconventional weird

Synonyms by register

Formal

alien unacquainted novel unrecognized

Informal

new strange weird odd

Literary

strange unknown unbeknownst

Antonyms

familiar known common usual recognized accustomed conventional

Common collocations

  • unfamiliar with
  • unfamiliar territory
  • unfamiliar face
  • unfamiliar surroundings
  • unfamiliar concept
  • unfamiliar language
  • unfamiliar with the system

Word family

noun unfamiliarity
adjective unfamiliar
adverb unfamiliarly

Usage note

Often followed by 'with' to indicate a lack of knowledge or experience regarding something specific. Can sometimes imply a slight sense of unease or strangeness.

Example sentences

  1. I felt a bit uncomfortable in the unfamiliar surroundings.
  2. The town was unfamiliar to me.
  3. The test questions were unfamiliar to the students.
  4. The unfamiliar food made me a little nervous.
  5. The unfamiliar language was difficult to understand.

Quotes

  • Familiarity breeds contempt. But without a little familiarity we can't breed anything.
  • The unfamiliar reveals the universe.
  • The unfamiliar is the source of poetry.

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