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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
This new report comes from leaker ShrimpApplePro on X who spotted the details within Chinese regulatory information. PC Magazine, 8 Sep. 2025 The night also saw the first-ever Moon Persons handed out to two new categories, Best Country and Best Pop Artist, with Megan Moroney winning the former. Stacy Lambe, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025 The effort also reflects a new tactic by the Christian right in Arizona and nationwide to reassert parental rights by arguing for religious exercise freedoms under the First Amendment. Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 8 Sep. 2025 Tan, whose sartorial preference is a black T-shirt, recently shared his new game plan with senior editor John Kang—pivoting to make his company an AI gaming software champ. Naazneen Karmali, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for new
Recent Examples of Synonyms for new
Adjective
  • This novel rocks just as hard as its heroine, Opal, a badass Black singer in the ‘60s and ‘70s made in the image of icons like Grace Jones and Betty Davis.
    Lauren Morrow September 9, Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2025
  • This allows bitBiome researchers to identify novel genes to insert into a standard laboratory protein-production organism and generate samples of potentially interesting new versions of the enzymes or proteins encoded by the isolated gene sequences.
    Steven Savage, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The 12-piece line, featuring colorful plates, cups, candleholders, and a show-stopping spiral vase, reimagines classic Swedish holiday traditions with a fresh, joyful edge.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Troost-Ekong Pushes Back Against Doubters Visionhaus/Getty Images Captain William Troost-Ekong drew on Nigeria’s history while insisting this is a fresh challenge.
    Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 9 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
  • The planes are modern, with the average aircraft being less than seven years old.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2025
  • In the modern game, from Tests to T20s and The Hundred, each side will now tend to include more than one gun fielder.
    James Wallace, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Manning was heard on the alternative broadcast saying the Bears should have just kicked it out of bounds.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Global talent pools where diverse voices contribute alternative framings to your toughest challenges.
    David Henkin, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • Taking a fresh approach to NHL rookie tournaments with an opportunity for both teams’ fans to see the latest crop of prospects, Edmonton’s lineup will include homegrown Matt Savoie and newly acquired Isaac Howard.
    Carol Schram, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • As Guster has learned, the newly unpredictable climate can also impact musicians’ wallets.
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Even what a new employee might feel on their very first day — welcomed, oriented, and inspired, or lost in a maze of unfamiliar faces and spaces.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2025
  • During their daytime searches, researchers found several unfamiliar-looking lizards, the study said.
    Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The odd dwarf planet Quaoar might have a brand-new moon.
    Nola Taylor Tillman, Space.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The podcast isn’t over yet, because Only Murders in the Building has returned with a brand-new whodunit for season 5.
    Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“New.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/new. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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