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Definition of familiarnext
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familiar

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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
At the heart of World Central Kitchen's work is feeding people with food that feels familiar. Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 Marc Jacobs presented its spring 2027 show at the New York Public Library on Monday, a familiar venue for the brand, with a slew of notable guests in attendance to witness the designer’s colorful lineup of looks. Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 30 June 2026
Noun
Cats make wonderful friends and, for the witchy folks among us, maybe even familiars. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 28 Nov. 2025 The cast also includes franchise familiars Courteney Cox, Scott Foley, Mason Gooding, and Jasmin Savoy Brown. Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for familiar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for familiar
Adjective
  • With the wrap in front of you, fold up the edge closest to you.
    Gretchen McKay, Boston Herald, 24 June 2026
  • Because wells in the region are large and close to one another, restarting production will require significant coordination across companies and countries to ensure consistent pressure across multiple wells.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Hoffman’s mother, when Scheiber later speaks to her, is well acquainted with this flavor of incredulity.
    Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
  • Our niece became acquainted with a man through a website.
    Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • The Human Edge In An AI-First Era As AI becomes ubiquitous, the last real differentiator is human.
    Martin Simoncic, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
  • Even a brand name as ubiquitous as Walmart is always looking to strengthen its customer base.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • West Germany, arrogant attitude adjusted, pounded Chile, 4-1.
    David j. Neal, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026
  • Lasso, in his initial introduction to audiences, wasn’t the warm, pun-loving, inspirational coach audiences would eventually embrace through Apple +, but a slightly arrogant buffoon parodying the average American sports fan.
    Charles Moss, New York Times, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • Some fans flew from Portugal to Miami to watch Ronaldo play in his 25th career World Cup match.
    Anthony Chiang June 27, Miami Herald, 28 June 2026
  • One dog became the center of attention of Scottish fans who gathered in Boston for the World Cup.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 28 June 2026
Noun
  • Take a friend and have that person take a cell phone so that person can call 911 for help.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026
  • In that episode, lone wolf Gibbs got a new special friend, an adorable dog.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • For a more intimate atmosphere and a bit more space, Potato Head Suites, just across the courtyard, is a better pick.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 July 2026
  • Sittenfeld deftly situates the problems of patriarchy and class politics within an intimate, decades-long love story—and what is more American than that potent mix?
    Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • Investors who remain curious and open to learning from markets around the world may be better positioned to identify opportunities and make informed decisions in their own markets.
    James Nelson, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • County officials urged residents to stay informed about evacuation orders online.
    Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 26 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Familiar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/familiar. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

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