1
as in close
closely acquainted
the little inside jokes that people who have long been familiar like to share
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in acquainted
having information especially as a result of study or experience
book editors who are familiar with what is being taught in the schools
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in ubiquitous
often observed or encountered
the woman and her pair of Welsh corgis were a familiar sight in the quiet neighborhood
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in arrogant
showing a lack of proper social reserve or modesty
rather too familiar for a first-time guest in our home, the woman kept asking how much we paid for this or for that
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in fan
someone who regularly spends time in a particular place
a longtime familiar of the bar, she would most likely have been there on the night in question
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in friend
a person who has a strong liking for and trust in another
with old familiars the normally reserved writer can be quite warm and funny
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of familiar
Jocelyn Noveck, Boston Herald, 5 Feb. 2026
Many heart-healthy eating habits focus on simple, familiar foods rather than restrictive diets.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 5 Feb. 2026
Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 17 May 2025
But before Guillermo leaves for good, Nandor offers him a seat in his coffin, which unexpectedly is revealed to be the secret entrance to the underground crime-fighting lair much to the former familiar's delight and surprise.
—Stacy Lambe, People.com, 17 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for familiar
Adjective
There’s a lot that’s familiar in this version, but enough variety, panache and bravado to raise it up a notch and give it, well, a raison d’être.
—Jocelyn Noveck, Boston Herald, 5 Feb. 2026
Many heart-healthy eating habits focus on simple, familiar foods rather than restrictive diets.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
The Santal, in South Asia, believed that witches (always female) copulated with spirit familiars and devoured the organs of children.
—Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 17 May 2025
But before Guillermo leaves for good, Nandor offers him a seat in his coffin, which unexpectedly is revealed to be the secret entrance to the underground crime-fighting lair much to the former familiar's delight and surprise.
—Stacy Lambe, People.com, 17 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for familiar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for familiar
Adjective
-
Over the years, Grey and Pollan have remained close, often supporting one another through personal and professional milestones.—
Danielle Minnetian,
FOXNews.com,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The bus depot is two stories beneath the train platform and several blocks from the closest stairway.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The Great Square is also a good starting point to become acquainted with the colors of the stars.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
16 Nov. 2025
-
Over the last few offseasons, the Toronto Blue Jays became far too acquainted with finishing in second place.—
Jackson Roberts,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
While hematologists and vascular medicine doctors have the most expertise managing blood thinners, the ubiquitous nature of the medications means they are prescribed by everyone from primary care physicians to cardiologists.—
David Cox,
NBC news,
5 Feb. 2026
-
With the algorithms delivering the same cycle of digital inspiration, and the ubiquitous availability of all these products, our interiors have begun developing a sameness.—
Mary Grace Granados
Special Contributor,
Dallas Morning News,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
He is paired with an arrogant young partner (Lou), a second-generation political scion whose personality clashes sharply with his own.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
29 Jan. 2026
-
In the early years of his fame as a writer, Rushdie had something of a reputation for being prickly and arrogant, but Gibney’s portrait reveals a man mellowed by time and experience.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
25 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
On a holiday celebrating love and affection, thousands of enthusiastic basketball fans showed up at Intuit Dome to cheer for their favorite NBA players in a trifecta of skills competitions on the eve of the league’s 75th annual All-Star Game.—
Steve Galluzzo,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Her primarily millennial fans are rabid to see her in concert.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Every time the topic arose, her school friends in Islamabad, the Pakistani capital, flushed with embarrassment, Omer recalled.—
Sana Noor Haq,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Despite speaking different languages, Toro Sepulveda and Henry became close friends, both said.—
Nuria Martinez-Keel,
Oklahoma Voice,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Austin is offering everything from la Madeleine’s chocolate-strawberry bakery boards to Azul’s candlelit rooftop cabanas, including intimate prix-fixe dinners and playful donut boat adventures.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Creating a more romantic atmosphere at home can transform your space into a cozy, intimate retreat.—
Kate Donovan,
Martha Stewart,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.—
Southern California Weather Report,
Daily News,
11 Feb. 2026
-
By expanding access to data and increasing transparency across functions, organizations can make better informed decisions in a timely manner.—
Paul Hudson,
Fortune,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Familiar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/familiar. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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