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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective familiar contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of familiar are common, ordinary, plain, popular, and vulgar. While all these words mean "generally met with and not in any way special, strange, or unusual," familiar stresses the fact of being generally known and easily recognized.

a familiar melody

When would common be a good substitute for familiar?

The words common and familiar can be used in similar contexts, but common implies usual everyday quality or frequency of occurrence and may additionally suggest inferiority or coarseness.

a common error
lacked common honesty
common manners

Where would ordinary be a reasonable alternative to familiar?

The words ordinary and familiar are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ordinary stresses conformance in quality or kind with the regular order of things.

an ordinary pleasant summer day
a very ordinary sort of man

When could plain be used to replace familiar?

While the synonyms plain and familiar are close in meaning, plain is likely to suggest homely simplicity.

plain hard-working people

When is popular a more appropriate choice than familiar?

In some situations, the words popular and familiar are roughly equivalent. However, popular applies to what is accepted by or prevalent among people in general sometimes in contrast to upper classes or special groups.

a writer of popular romances

How do vulgar and popular relate to one another, in the sense of familiar?

Vulgar, otherwise similar to popular, is likely to carry derogatory connotations (as of inferiority or coarseness).

souvenirs designed to appeal to the vulgar taste

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of familiar
Adjective
This is a familiar story in many respects. Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 18 Sep. 2025 His first adjustment was to avoid doing what felt familiar. Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
Most recently, the actor played Count Dracula in this year's Renfield opposite Nicholas Hoult's titular familiar. Clark Collis, EW.com, 17 May 2023 Beyond the internet hype machine, the product variety hits unsuspecting retail shoppers across financial buckets, design conscious online patrons and a host of famous familiars. Jacqueline Schneider, Forbes, 5 May 2023 See All Example Sentences for familiar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for familiar
Adjective
  • He was acquired, along with closer Victor Vodnik, in a July 2023 trade with the Braves for reliever Pierce Johnson.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 17 Sep. 2025
  • In the last fortnight alone, Starmer's Deputy Prime Minister and close ally Angela Rayner has resigned after a house tax scandal, triggering a major cabinet reshuffle.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Caron became acquainted with NESN’s people during the 1994-95 NHL lockout, during which the network covered a number of the Pirates’ games while the Bruins weren’t playing, including a playoff series involving the Pirates and the Providence Bruins.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 29 Aug. 2025
  • That's where Chad Volk, who opened LC Car Care in Lake Crystal in 2018, became well acquainted with the 2015 Edge.
    Jamie L. LaReau, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Google Maps, for example, is a ubiquitous tool used by tourists to get around new destinations, as well as their own cities.
    Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2025
  • This lore drop about the legendary warrior-chief is a withering tease for Kōnane, a once-ubiquitous pastime that was carved into stone slabs across the islands, some of which still protrude from the ground.
    Matt Negrin, Rolling Stone, 20 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Commissioner Cristina Eveillard later said the sheriff was arrogant.
    Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 2025
  • The lies begin as soon as Max encounters Guillermo, an arrogant nepo baby who blamed him for Ane’s death but now pretends to accept his apology.
    Judy Berman, Time, 19 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • While he's shown flashes of his ability to lead the team on scoring drives, consecutive losses to start the season probably isn't what Bears fans hoped to see under new coach Ben Johnson.
    Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Sep. 2025
  • The willingness to do the little things that make a team tick are a big reason King is so fondly appreciated by the fans, too.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 22 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Trump doesn’t have very many friends on the global stage that are from the left.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Some Wordlers also play Competitive Wordle against friends, family, the Wordle Bot or even against me, your humble narrator.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This intimate relationship with their ancestral homeland has made diaspora Armenians influential in the country’s politics.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 21 Sep. 2025
  • Two of cinema’s most imaginative voices came together at the Busan International Film Festival for an intimate conversation about their creative processes, revealing surprising connections between their work despite being separated by continents and cultures.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 20 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Enhancing informed consent In a separate vote, the committee recommended that the CDC amend its the Covid-19 vaccine information statements, which spell out the risks and benefits of a vaccination.
    Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.
    Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Familiar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/familiar. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.

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