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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
With the original Toxic Avenger creator’s blessing, Macon Blair has brought the cult franchise back from its noxious cinematic dumping grounds. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 7 Sep. 2025 The original story was branded as antisemitic due to Dickens’ descriptions of the prejudicial norms of society in those times. The Know, Denver Post, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
Jordan has already supported several Netflix originals, including the teen supernatural series Jinn, and sees significant growth potential in streaming content. Mathew Scott, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025 The film is produced by the directors of Troma Entertainment’s 1984 original, Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz. Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for original
Recent Examples of Synonyms for original
Adjective
  • After the initial outcry, Sanders continued jetting himself around the country.
    Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Before The Beatles and before football came the docks, once the beating heart of Liverpool and the catalyst for the city’s initial growth and prosperity.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Can any of those innovative ideas help solve Miami-Dade’s growing waste crisis?
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The rich use their muscle; the poorer must be more innovative to succeed.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • New York — At the heart of the case against the man accused of the Gilgo Beach killings is DNA evidence — but the novel way that evidence was tested may now determine whether prosecutors can use it against their prime suspect, Long Island architect and family man Rex Heuermann.
    Michelle Watson, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025
  • This discovery opens the door to developing novel interventions to improve attention and memory, as well as designing brain-computer interface technology that enhances selective processing and the storing of information.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The prototype is built using commercially available parts, including micro-LED lights, optical lenses, and sensors from smartphone cameras, keeping costs down and making future mass production feasible.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Working together, the plant teams agreed to accept shorter lead times for receiving prototypes in return for designs with fewer problems.
    Nelson P. Repenning, Time, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Here, played by the black actress Karen Bryson, the character is all brains and sass.
    Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
  • At one point during NCIS' run, de Pablo's character was thought to be dead.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The brand is expected to introduce four new smartphones, including the first ever iPhone to come with the Air branding.
    James Peckham, PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The last time a club from the nation featured in the competition was in 1991-92, when Dundalk lost to our old friends Budapest Honved in the first round.
    Will Jeanes, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Somewhere, creative teams are readying a rock opera and a Saturday morning cartoon.
    Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
  • And, since Congress expects workers and employers to be (cough) creative when characterizing wages as tips to avoid paying taxes on otherwise taxable income, Treasury is authorized to issue additional guidance to prevent abuse.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • That new equalized funding formula went into effect after a three-year transition period in 2024, when 44 groups each got $9,269, according to the three-year awards report.
    Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Swiss transportation company Twiliner is kicking off a new night bus service later this year that will be more akin to a business class airline seat than your typical bus.
    Opheli Garcia Lawler, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Original.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/original. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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