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Definition of originalnext
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original

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective original differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of original are fresh, new, and novel. While all these words mean "having recently come into existence or use," original applies to what is the first of its kind to exist.

a man without one original idea

Where would fresh be a reasonable alternative to original?

In some situations, the words fresh and original are roughly equivalent. However, fresh applies to what has not lost its qualities of newness such as liveliness, energy, brightness.

a fresh start

When can new be used instead of original?

The words new and original can be used in similar contexts, but new may apply to what is freshly made and unused, what has not been known before, or what has not been experienced before.

new brick
new designs
starts the new job

When would novel be a good substitute for original?

The words novel and original are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, novel applies to what is not only new but strange or unprecedented.

a novel approach to the problem

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 original
Adjective
Following a stellar performance at the Woodstock festival in August 1969 — the performance was recorded but not included in the original documentary film due to a disagreement with the band’s manager — the group released Blood, Sweat & Tears 3 in June 1970. Greg Evans, Deadline, 25 June 2026 Rockwell's original paintings for his November 1943 spread spent more than four decades hanging in the White House. Elizabeth Blair, NPR, 25 June 2026
Noun
The tempo is jagged and slow, and O’Farrill only teases out the melody throughout as if to question the jubilance of the original. Rae-Aila Crumble, Pitchfork, 25 June 2026 The original is coated in dark chocolate, though there is also now a milk chocolate version on shelves. Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for original
Recent Examples of Synonyms for original
Adjective
  • The heads of the California Business Roundtable, California Taxpayers Association and California Business Properties Association — all supporters of the initial Local Taxpayer Protection Act—issued a statement praising the compromise agreement.
    Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2026
  • Medi-Cal coverage of immigrants without legal status costs the state roughly $10 billion a year, according to California’s nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office, more than double the initial estimates.
    Christine Mai-Duc, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Film Independent is expanding the Film Independent Spirit Awards with the introduction of the Robert Redford Environmental Vision Award, a new honor recognizing narrative film and television works that engage with environmental issues through innovative and impactful storytelling.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 23 June 2026
  • Companion pieces in black titanium and white diamonds introduce a contemporary contrast while reinforcing the collection's emphasis on innovative materials and craftsmanship.
    Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • Naturally occurring tax revenues derived from economic growth would help obviate the need for Springfield’s seemingly endless quests for novel fees and tax ideas.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026
  • Superhero cinema has dominated since then, and Brad Bird's visual style and humor feel less novel.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • Future projects will also depend on successful prototype testing, regulatory approvals, construction milestones, and definitive customer agreements before any revenue-generating power plants come online.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 June 2026
  • Musk has sought for more than a decade to get the public comfortable with SpaceX’s approach to rocket development, which emphasizes testing cheap prototypes in flight and embracing the occasional mishap rather than trying to guarantee perfection.
    Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • The organization is seeking investors willing to accept modest returns in exchange for preserving historic buildings, supporting local businesses and maintaining the character of West Marin communities.
    Kenny Choi, CBS News, 26 June 2026
  • Elementary school-age kids like Jimmy may enjoy the aquarium at the Seas with Nemo & Friends, games at the exit to Spaceship Earth, character greetings at CommuniCore Hall, different soda flavors from around the world in Club Cool and rides like Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure or Frozen Ever After.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Giants second baseman Luis Arraez left Tuesday night’s game against the Athletics after fouling a ball off his right foot in the bottom of the first inning and is questionable for Wednesday night’s matchup.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 24 June 2026
  • Karaban earned first-team All-Big East Conference honors as a senior this season.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Keywords provides tech and creative services for the video game and entertainment industries.
    George Avalos, Mercury News, 25 June 2026
  • In 2003, Ozwald Boateng was appointed Givenchy’s first creative director for menswear, and the category accounted for a third of the business, according to Luke Leitch.
    Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Karen Derrico was accused of threatening to kill her ex-husband, Deon Derrico, and their children in a new criminal complaint.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 26 June 2026
  • Pochettino fielded nine new starters for this low-stakes game, but Christian Pulisic entered in the 58th minute.
    Greg Beacham, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Original.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/original. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.

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