1
as in novelty
the quality or appeal of being new
the originality of the war memorial sparked a heated controversy, as most people had been expecting something more traditional
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in creativity
the skill and imagination to create new things
a poet of great originality, she brought a whole new range of subject matter and imagery to poetry
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in imagination
the ability to form mental images of things that either are not physically present or have never been conceived or created by others
a graphic novel that shows a lot of originality on the part of its creator
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 originality
Hanzlik says his originality as a coach transcended such classification anyway.
—
Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 17 Feb. 2026
Cutaway shots of the natural world might call to mind Terrence Malick’s work, but have their own energy and originality.
—Catherine Bray, Variety, 17 Feb. 2026
Judges assess height, technique, originality and other factors.
—Reuters, NBC news, 17 Feb. 2026
The snail slime doesn’t seem to actively turn Cathy on, but points for originality here.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for originality
Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 17 Feb. 2026
Cutaway shots of the natural world might call to mind Terrence Malick’s work, but have their own energy and originality.
—Catherine Bray, Variety, 17 Feb. 2026
Judges assess height, technique, originality and other factors.
—Reuters, NBC news, 17 Feb. 2026
The snail slime doesn’t seem to actively turn Cathy on, but points for originality here.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for originality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for originality
Noun
-
At the same time, however, gummies were seen as a novelty rather than a serious method of taking vitamins, minerals and supplements (VMS).—
Gretchen Wittenmyer-Stone,
Miami Herald,
26 Feb. 2026
-
These placements reflect confidence in the brand’s relevance and staying power, positioning Aurélien alongside houses known for long-term credibility rather than short-term novelty.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
At Victoria Dockside near the Avenue of Stars, K11 MUSEA vows to spark creativity through culture.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Photos will be judged on focus, lighting, composition, creativity, storytelling and overall impact, with special attention to native species, officials said.—
Aurora Beacon-News,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
All doubled down on the idea that the monarch’s primary attribute should be a sense of duty — something Edward, in the popular imagination, lacked.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Still, an unchecked imagination has its own charms.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The variety and freshness of Rauschenberg’s works at the Nasher provide a veritable garden of delights — admittedly quirky ones at times.—
Scott Cantrell,
Dallas Morning News,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Both were available Friday, and early on, that freshness showed.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
But without freedom, Berdyaev writes, creativeness is impossible.—
Andrew McDiarmid,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
There's also a palpable new seam of imaginativeness among residents.—
Toby Skinner,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
Hydration Hugs isn’t the only element of newness in Atkin’s life as of late.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
27 Feb. 2026
-
The newness extends to the Lyric Opera itself.—
Dan Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
25 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Little Edie became an icon representing ingenuity amidst adversity, largely due to her freethinking fashion sense.—
Rosemary Counter,
Vanity Fair,
25 Feb. 2026
-
The country began a starkly successful race for ingenuity and hi-tech to survive; the pace of change and implementation unparalleled in a six-week innovation cycle of the front line – the time in which a new idea for killing appears.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
24 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Originality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/originality. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
