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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

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
Hopefully, the 22-year-old star gets a better update than the original expectation. Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025 At the festival, the group showcased several of Mann’s original art pieces, some of which featured scenes from Kansas City dating back to the 60s and 70s. Dominick Williams, Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
The GoPro Max 2 is a huge step up from the original and makes a far more convincing argument for replacing your single-lens action camera. Craig Wilson, PC Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025 Tornasol, Buendía Estudios, Toboggan among them — while Netflix continues to invest in originals. Callum McLennan, Variety, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for original
Recent Examples of Synonyms for original
Adjective
  • Most Venezuelans in similar situations have only received the initial receipt notice, a valid document that provides protection under TPS.
    Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2025
  • The modified molecule is more easily reduced during the battery’s initial charge.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The opportunities for improvements in energy storage exemplify what new, innovative technology can do to deliver practical benefits to everyone.
    Lauren Giella, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Ben Leonberg's innovative thriller unfurls a supernatural narrative from a canine point of view, and Indy the dog stars as the loyal best friend who becomes concerned about his owner when dark forces seem to be taking hold of him in their new rural home.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025
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
Noun
  • For now, HydroFlexor and HydroBuckler are only lab-scale prototypes.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Endurance racing like the 24 Hours of Le Mans or the Rolex 24 at Daytona has seen record crowds over the last few years, and a large part of that is down to the sports prototype class, exemplified by cars from the likes of Ferrari and Porsche.
    Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In one of the season’s final scenes, the five returning characters have individual counseling sessions with Arisu giving brief updates on their lives.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 26 Sep. 2025
  • There's probably a part of you in all of the characters, and that's the truth of it.
    Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Affleck’s younger sibling, Fin, formerly known as Seraphina, publicly used the memorial service of Garner’s father to share their new name and identity for the first time in April 2024.
    Heather Hunter, The Washington Examiner, 25 Sep. 2025
  • The $15 billion, first phase of CP2 just began construction near to Calcasieu Pass and is slated to start producing LNG in 2027.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Not all of them get a New York Times article about their creative split.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2025
  • As the creative director, Roxy was the one to design and decorate the cakes.
    Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Evans said building a new parking garage near downtown would cost over $20 million, and that space is limited in the area for new lots or parking structures.
    Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The show is one of several new offerings on Brilliant Lady, which sailed its maiden voyage in early September, and USA TODAY was among the first to see the show.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Original.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/original. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

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