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adverb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective new differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of new are fresh, novel, and original. While all these words mean "having recently come into existence or use," 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 fresh be a good substitute for new?

While the synonyms fresh and new are close in meaning, fresh applies to what has not lost its qualities of newness such as liveliness, energy, brightness.

a fresh start

When might novel be a better fit than new?

The words novel and new 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

When is it sensible to use original instead of new?

In some situations, the words original and new are roughly equivalent. However, original applies to what is the first of its kind to exist.

a man without one original idea

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 new
Adjective
The festival has introduced a new section for microdramas and short-form content, acknowledging their popularity in China. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 Sep. 2025 Benny Blanco can’t stop gushing over new bride Selena Gomez. Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 28 Sep. 2025 In the lawsuit, lawyers for the state and the city said the move breached the principles of the US Constitution and risked stoking new unrest. Andy Rose, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2025 This is the preseason, when teams are eagerly preparing for a new campaign. Josh Yohe, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for new
Recent Examples of Synonyms for new
Adjective
  • In a summer of new adventures, ranging from kung fu training at a Shaolin temple in China to bicycle kicks on a soccer pitch in Japan, Wembanyama wanted to try one more novel thing.
    Jared Weiss, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Spring 2026 presentations staged here last week offered novel interpretations of sartorial codes, ranging from sleek minimalism to ’80s power dressing.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Things like fresh-to-order omelets, shrimp and grits, and acai bowls have all been on the menu and really set the bar high for hotel breakfast.
    Elliott Harrell, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The plan is to unveil a fresh curation of linens and decor for Nordic Knots Home every season.
    Sydney Gore, Architectural Digest, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Fans are also anticipating getting their first looks inside the refreshed stadium.
    Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Each year, Indiana Landmarks releases the list to advocate for the sites in hope of educating people and attracting developers, individuals and organizations to contribute financially and help these buildings find a refreshed purpose.
    Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Hepburn’s Balmain number was a modern choice that paved the way for other brides of the time and even today to shy away from traditional floor-length gowns.
    Ariana Quihuiz, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025
  • What’s Next Transgender participation in sports continues to be one of the most contentious issues in modern sports.
    MSNBC Newsweek, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • These rare steroids were linked to ancient sponges, but the findings sparked debate, with some suggesting alternative origins, including non-biological processes.
    Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Behind the scenes, Omaha Productions, the Manning brothers' company, saw the unexpected momentum as a chance to expand beyond documentaries and alternative NFL broadcasts.
    JP Mangalindan, Time, 30 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • The 2026 show will kick off the newly launched Live Between the Hedges Concert Series Presented by Pruitt Health.
    Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Classic board games are typically priced between $10 and $20, and newly popular indie family games cost between $20 and $40.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • All this because a political debate has arisen, where the main players are politicians from 30 years ago, very conservative, who are unfamiliar with innovation.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • From day one, new consultants rotate across industries, geographies, and functions, adapting on the fly and mastering unfamiliar businesses.
    Ruth Umoh, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Rancho de la Tormenta will also be home to a brand-new restaurant, Cocina Abuela.
    Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
  • This month, Thibaut celebrates the next chapter of its 136-year history with a brand-new Manhattan flagship at the New York Design Center.
    Sydney Gore, Architectural Digest, 29 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“New.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/new. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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