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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective fresh differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of fresh are new, novel, and original. While all these words mean "having recently come into existence or use," 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 fresh?

The synonyms new and fresh are sometimes interchangeable, 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 could novel be used to replace fresh?

The words novel and fresh can be used in similar contexts, but novel applies to what is not only new but strange or unprecedented.

a novel approach to the problem

Where would original be a reasonable alternative to fresh?

Although the words original and fresh have much in common, 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 fresh
Adjective
Cream cheese provides a smooth creaminess, while walnuts bring in a toasty note that’s complimented by the bright lemon zest and fresh parsley. Stephanie Ganz, Southern Living, 25 June 2025 This particular recipe, which adds sauteed shrimp, white wine and fresh tarragon to the mix, leans toward the simpler preparation. The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025
Noun
So next time you’re tempted to avoid an awkward conversation, take a deep breath (preferably minty-fresh) and tackle it head-on. Elizabeth Pearson, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025 Its fruit is juicy and sweet, perfect for eating fresh. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fresh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fresh
Adjective
  • Washington eventually adopted more sensible approaches that mobilized the resources of key allies, developed a wiser balance between conventional and nuclear tools, and assumed a less confrontational attitude toward Moscow.
    JENNIFER LIND, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
  • Those who are successful in the job market learn how to embrace tradeoffs to make wise choices.
    Michael B. Horn, Time, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Over at Brooks’s, Shai comes over and teaches him how to use his new sewing machine, which is a fascinating dynamic because Shai is an agent’s assistant while Brooks is a clothing designer.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 18 June 2025
  • Matt Dillon, Bret Maverick, Ben Cartwright and the Virginian all have a new place to hang their Stetsons.
    Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • There is also more pace in the new centre-back partnership of Griedge Mbock and Maelle Lakrar.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • In 2023, Former President Joe Biden unfroze $6 billion more in Iranian assets as part of a prisoner swap.
    Sharyl Attkisson, Baltimore Sun, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • One of the biggest struggles of dressing for the summer heat is finding a pair of sandals that are both stylish and comfortable.
    Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 25 June 2025
  • These roomy parachute cargo pants are functional but stylish and—especially for Tokyo, a city known for being a street fashion hub.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • In some ways, this trade is part of the never-ending runoff from that disaster.
    The Athletic MLB Staff, New York Times, 16 June 2025
  • If left unmaintained, vacant lots can contribute to water pollution through stormwater runoff carrying pollutants like sediment and debris, and often became invaded by non-native plant species, which can displace native vegetation and disrupt ecosystems.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • Built in 1870, the Victorian home houses 10 guest rooms, each individually designed for comfort with soft lighting, pristine white linens, and textured accents like wicker headboards.
    Karla Pope, Architectural Digest, 19 June 2025
  • What was once a pristine estuary has become a hotspot for pollution, habitat loss, and stress.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • Shelter Homes for Sale June 18, 2025 This sleek, modernist retreat on Gardiners Bay in East Hampton blends beach cottage vibes with bold design.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 18 June 2025
  • Epic turns it up a notch with a bolder slub design in the warp yarns and a natural marble character.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • After the first round of the Travelers Championship, the Northern Irishman showed up to answer reporters' questions, and the topic came up again, even taking a novel approach.
    Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
  • With classic brown sugar, taro, and novel seasonal flavors, the shop offers comfort in familiarity—trusted by generations and still blending tapioca pearls, fresh milk, and chewy yummies one cup at a time.
    Taryn White, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fresh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fresh. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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