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Definition of newnext
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new

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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

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
Its new platinum card is backed by Coastal Community Bank, which is headquartered in Everett, Washington, and has just 14 branches. Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 13 Mar. 2026 Recycling sports equipment not only keeps it out of landfills, but reduces the need for new equipment to be manufactured, Clarkin said. Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026 In Oregon, where psilocybin therapy was legalized in 2023, a third of new clinics have already closed owing to high operating expenses and treatment costs. Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2026 The redesign coincides with changing times in the organization, from a new coaching staff, a reshaped roster, and soon, a new stadium set to open in 2027. Zach Powell, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for new
Recent Examples of Synonyms for new
Adjective
  • Of course, the cross-pollination between fashion and design isn’t entirely novel.
    Katherine McGrath, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Of course, any savvy collector recognizes that Monet’s haystacks and Pollack’s action paintings were once novel outliers, too.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The backstory Under Canvas made a name for itself during the pandemic thanks to its ability to create upscale camping experiences that provided equal doses of fresh air and community during a time of social distancing.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Elder lawmakers in both parties have faced calls from younger members, either in service or age, to step aside and let fresh talent continue their work on Capitol Hill.
    Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The airport is in the middle of its long-term, $1 billion SDF Next Program, which includes a refreshed concourse, ticketing area and more security checkpoints.
    Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Aside from the diamond seats—which are limited to the two highest trims—I’ve fumbled to find anything to write home about in the refreshed Pilot.
    Adam Ismail, The Drive, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Opened in 2025, the modern Persian cafe serves barbari bread and lavash wrap sandwiches, tahini-date shakes and chai lattes, plus a full slate of events aimed at uplifting the local Persian community.
    Angela Osorio, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Renovations will include replacing the substation’s infrastructure with more modern equipment, which Miller said would be quieter.
    Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • If shipping remains constrained, supplies would need to be rerouted through alternative corridors or transported overland at far higher cost, analysts said.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Researchers led by Yayuan Liu, an assistant professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering, explored an alternative approach based on electrowinning.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • Set in Ghana 1958, as the newly independent country becomes the site of a proxy war involving the CIA, KGB, and MI6, the film follows a former Ghanaian soldier tasked with forming the first-ever African spy agency.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 12 Mar. 2026
  • The combat veteran, 41, also dreaded crying in front of anyone, especially her baby boy, who was still her baby boy, despite being 18 years old, 6-foot-5, and newly married.
    Danielle Paquette, Washington Post, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • What is happening now has taken our city to a place that feels unfamiliar.
    Andrea Levine O’Rourke, Sun Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Texas baseball has spent so much of its time this season steamrolling its opposition that any sense of adversity might have felt unfamiliar.
    David Eckert, Austin American Statesman, 7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • What's more, in July, a raft of new, potentially challenging changes to the student loan program will begin — courtesy of Republicans' One Big Beautiful Bill Act — including the introduction of two brand-new repayment plans and the phasing out of others.
    Cory Turner, NPR, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The brand-new military craft is designed to be a VTOL machine that can dart through the skies at jet-like speeds of 400 to 450 knots and hover from unprepared surfaces—at least, that’s the goal.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 11 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“New.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/new. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

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