Synonyms of new

new 1 of 2

adjective

ˈnü 

1

as in novel

not known or experienced before

Spanish was a new course of study for her

advances in optical technology allow us to observe new planets

Synonyms & Similar Words

• novel
• unfamiliar
• fresh
• strange
• unprecedented
• original
• unique
• unknown
• innovative
• unheard-of
• unaccustomed
• nontraditional
• unconventional
• pioneering
• untried
• unused
• trailblazing
• pathbreaking
• unworn

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• old
• familiar
• traditional
• hackneyed
• tired
• conventional
• established
• time-honored
• tried
• warmed-over
• tried-and-true
• derivative
• imitative

2

as in fresh

recently made and never used before

that unique scent that comes with a new car

Synonyms & Similar Words

• fresh
• brand-new
• mint
• unused
• clean
• pristine
• spick-and-span
• untouched
• raw
• unspoiled
• newfangled
• natural
• virgin
• unprocessed
• new-fashioned
• untreated
• unworked

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• secondhand
• used
• old
• stale
• dirty
• spoiled
• hand-me-down
• soiled
• shabby
• worn
• aged
• shopworn
• beat-up
• well-handled

3

as in refreshed

made or become fresh in spirits or vigor

a little rest made him a new man after the exhausting basketball game

Synonyms & Similar Words

• refreshed
• revived
• renewed
• newborn
• energized
• reborn
• freshened
• invigorated
• recreated
• regenerated
• rested
• reanimated
• resuscitated
• reinvigorated
• reenergized
• animated
• enlivened
• resurrected
• exhilarated
• jazzed (up)
• untired
• unwearied

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• tired
• weary
• weakened
• drained
• exhausted
• unmanned
• dampened
• knackered
• deadened
• enervated
• enervate
• emasculated
• dispirited
• demoralized
• disheartened

4

as in modern

being or involving the latest methods, concepts, information, or styles

new techniques in plastic surgery

Synonyms & Similar Words

• modern
• contemporary
• current
• latest
• designer
• stylish
• fashionable
• modernistic
• newfangled
• modernized
• new age
• state-of-the-art
• futuristic
• ultramodern
• up-to-date
• present-day
• hot
• recent
• updated
• red-hot
• mod
• up-to-the-minute
• new-fashioned
• space-age
• last
• now
• in
• happening
• nouvelle
• modish
• high-tech
• latter-day

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• old
• archaic
• antiquated
• old-time
• ancient
• out-of-date
• past
• old-fashioned
• former
• historical
• anachronistic
• dated
• historic
• fusty
• musty
• venerable
• hoary
• age-old
• late
• antediluvian
• bygone
• aged
• olden
• antique
• obsolete
• retro
• outmoded
• oldfangled
• retrograde
• outworn
• passé
• old-world
• discarded
• disused
• remote
• timeless
• forgotten
• unmodernized
• ageless
• kaput
• moth-eaten
• dateless

5

as in alternative

taking the place of one that came before

after my bike was stolen, my scooter became my new mode of transportation

Synonyms & Similar Words

• alternative
• other
• alternate
• makeshift
• another
• second
• different
• extra
• substitute
• substitutive
• separate
• successive
• utility
• improvised
• spare
• pinch
• equivalent
• jury

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• original
• first
• same
• former
• identical
• permanent
• equal
• lasting

new

2 of 2

adverb

as in newly

not long ago

new-mown grass

Synonyms & Similar Words

• newly
• late
• lately
• recently
• just
• now
• freshly
• only
• of late
• latterly

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• earlier
• previously
• early
• before
• ago
• formerly
• anciently
• heretofore
• erstwhile
• hitherto

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of new

Adjective

In a new study, researchers at the University of Ottawa have proposed this unconventional picture, which challenges some of modern physics’ biggest assumptions. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026

Only the oldest needles drop during the normal fall season, and those are located inside the outer needles of the tree, since new needles are added every year. — Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026

Torrey Pines High School got a new coach this season, lost one of the best players to graduation and instilled a new system and a new culture. — Tim Meehan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026

Tiers of Joy turns clients’ old china into functional, custom serving stands that double as works of art and new family heirlooms. — Jennifer Bradley Franklin, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2026

Phrases Containing new

• New Jerusalem
• New York minute
• new age