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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
University administrators point to a new business plan and the paper's running deficit as the reasons behind their decision to cut print. Cate Charron, IndyStar, 27 Oct. 2025 Trump travels to Tokyo on Monday to meet new Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi, and sorting out this confusion will no doubt be at the top of her agenda. Charlie Campbell, Time, 27 Oct. 2025 For Japan’s new leader, the stakes are high. Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2025 That’s a key finding from a new report first shared with Semafor by Global Strategy Group, a polling company with ties to Democrats and progressive organizations. Max Tani, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for new
Recent Examples of Synonyms for new
Adjective
  • Pairing kitchen countertops with a backsplash isn’t necessarily a novel idea.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Calvin Kasulke Calvin Kasulke is the author of the novel Several People Are Typing.
    Calvin Kasulke, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Loloi Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines Area Rug Looking for a low-lift way to make a space feel fresh for fall?
    Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
  • The hoisin sauce adds glossy sweetness and umami depth, while fresh ginger brightens things up.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 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
  • Nielsen, which tracks television ratings, now includes more modern devices in its tracking, an adjustment that has been expected to show higher sports viewership across the board.
    The Athletic MLB Staff, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Their shoes’ aesthetic blends modern minimalism with classic styles that are designed to be subtle enough for everyday wear but with a twist thanks to the footwear’s unexpected details.
    Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Sensitive sleepers who crave the feel of a firm down pillow can turn to this hypoallergenic down alternative fill.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Observe the actual landing cost, including any hidden costs and delays, and move 20–30 percent of manufacturing to alternative arrangements.
    Vitalii Savryha, Sourcing Journal, 21 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • Mike Kennedy, ex-Harley-Davidson exec, will assume the role of CEO of the newly independent organization.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Lest there is any doubt, Ellison does want to buy all the WBD assets, including CNN, even though Warner is newly willing to sell pieces, sources with knowledge of the talks said.
    Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The top challenges cited with this model included unfamiliar peers and longer routes.
    Caroline Beck, IndyStar, 22 Oct. 2025
  • On Tubi, the belief is that the consumers of this kind of content are a mix of existing fans of the creators as well as viewers who were previously unfamiliar with the creators, since many go through and watch all episodes.
    Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Open box products are a great way to save money on unused items that are still in brand-new condition.
    Christine Persaud, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Since then, Giglio has continued to document their renovation journey, teasing followers with progress updates and the upcoming reveal of their brand-new deck.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“New.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/new. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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