original 1 of 2

Definition of originalnext
1
2
3

original

2 of 2

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

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
This performance was recorded at London’s Vaudeville Theatre with the original West End Queens reprising their roles. Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 2 Apr. 2026 The show’s original Spanish-language format, Serenata De Las Estrellas, has aired on Roku. Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
Standing center stage is a former Whiteley’s original, a grand iron staircase, its curves leading to the members-only Six Senses Place, crowned by a glass dome. Travis Levius, Travel + Leisure, 1 Apr. 2026 Also on deck are new seasons of Netflix originals such as Love on the Spectrum, XO, Kitty, and Beef, the latter of which has an all-star cast comprised of Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, Cailee Spaeny, and Charles Melton. Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for original
Recent Examples of Synonyms for original
Adjective
  • As well as continuing to restore water service to his residence after the initial altercation.
    Erika Stanish, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Instead of getting a kickstart on redetermination, which would have started in July under the initial bill, redeterminations will begin in 2027.
    Keely Doll, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • There’s a fierce competition in the Italian capital to see who can open the most beautiful, most original, most innovative, and most locally authentic hotel.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Their broader vision has been to create something that feels more intentional than a traditional brokerage model, pairing local expertise with innovative strategy while keeping client interests at the center of the process.
    Connie Etemadi, AZCentral.com, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • But police use of the novel technology has attracted criticism – and it’s been linked to other cases of misidentification.
    Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2026
  • The first is curiosity — the drive to generate novel questions, not just process existing ones.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • While major automakers have tested the technology for years, most efforts have remained at the prototype stage.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 1 Apr. 2026
  • What to Know Smart glasses are no longer niche prototypes—the devices have become a multibillion-dollar industry, with models typically priced between $270 and more than $1,000 depending on features and brand.
    Thomas Westerholm, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Bruccoleri described the character’s emotional arc in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
    Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Then the studio structured trailers and marketing around an unspecified, unspeakable disclosure by Zendaya’s character that derails the wedding plans (and imperils the characters’ romantic union) to stoke maximum curiosity.
    Chris Lee, Vulture, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Ace right-hander Jacob deGrom, making his first start of the season after being scratched Saturday with a neck injury, cruised through the first four innings and almost made if out of the fifth, but Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson hit a two-run double to tie the game at 3.
    Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Yet this is part of a trend that’s defined the Knicks’ first season under Brown, one that also predated Brown’s arrival as a through-line over the course of last season’s playoff run.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The home here is a ramshackle London town house where a famed painter, Julian Sklar (Ian McKellen), is spending his final years in a haze of creative stagnation and lingering renown.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Invest wisely, and honor your creative joy.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Even the more politically active class of nonprofits — 501(c)(4) groups, like the relatively new American Hunters and Anglers — can’t make political activity its primary activity.
    Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 3 Apr. 2026
  • The Colorado Rockies are rolling out a lineup of new food offerings ahead of Opening Day, featuring everything from oversized hot dogs to inventive twists on classic ballpark staples.
    Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Original.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/original. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on original

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster