familiarity

noun

fa·​mil·​iar·​i·​ty fə-ˌmi-lē-ˈ(y)er-ə-tē How to pronounce familiarity (audio)
-ˈ(y)a-rə-;
-ˌmil-ˈyer-
-ˌmil-ˈya-rə-
plural familiarities
Synonyms of familiaritynext
1
a
: the quality or state of being familiar
b
: a state of close relationship : intimacy
2
a
: absence of ceremony : informality
b
: an unduly informal act or expression : impropriety
c
: a sexual liberty
3
: close acquaintance with something

Examples of familiarity in a Sentence

He spoke to everyone with the easy familiarity of an old friend. the elderly couple enjoys a familiarity that is the result of many years of happy marriage
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An argument can be made that the interception that Ewers threw Waddle’s way came about due to a lack of familiarity with the receiver. Miami Herald, 25 Dec. 2025 The sudden premise of an interview cuts into our deep familiarity. Hazlitt, 23 Dec. 2025 Four major franchise reboots cracked our top 10, proving that familiarity can still feel sharp if it’s done right, but that’s a tougher and tougher line to walk. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 19 Dec. 2025 Where familiarity and fear coexist In El Paso, Texas, Border Patrol is a constant presence, and residents describe the agency as deeply embedded in daily life. David Culver, CNN Money, 18 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for familiarity

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of familiarity was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Familiarity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/familiarity. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

familiarity

noun
fa·​mil·​iar·​i·​ty fə-ˌmil-ˈyar-ət-ē How to pronounce familiarity (audio)
-ˌmil-ē-ˈar-
plural familiarities
1
: close friendship : intimacy
2
: lack of formality : freedom and ease in personal relations
3
: close acquaintance with or knowledge of something
4
: an overly bold act or expression

More from Merriam-Webster on familiarity

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