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

Synonyms of familiarity

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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.
This initiative aims to elevate horse racing's appeal to everyday sports fans by fostering rivalries and familiarity among top horses. — Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026 The first thing that Ted Lasso gets right is this familiarity among the residents. — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026 Having a goodbye routine provides comfort and familiarity, so your child knows what’s to come. — Karin A. Bilich, Parents, 4 Aug. 2026 Fitzgerald had some familiarity with Alessio Milivojevic, even though the former Northwestern coach hasn’t worked in the Big Ten for a few years. — Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for familiarity

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Browse Nearby Words

familiarism
familiarity
familiarization
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Familiarity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/familiarity. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of familiarity for Spanish Speakers

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