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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

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
The average sales price of a new electric car in the United States in January was $55,715, according to Kelley Blue Book. Keith Laing, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026 Under new ownership, the motel is entering its next chapter. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2026 Existing particles will now obey new laws of physics, and so existing structures will be destroyed and replaced by new structures that obey different laws. Big Think, 20 Feb. 2026 Those tests will validate new design approaches under realistic conditions. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for new
Recent Examples of Synonyms for new
Adjective
  • There's been nothing even resembling a male stripping past for me, so this was truly novel.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 14 Feb. 2026
  • And when the next novel pathogen emerges — not if, when — doctors will be at a loss.
    Robert B. Shpiner, STAT, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Style on the step and repeat, however, remained fresh and fun.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 16 Feb. 2026
  • When a new Instagram account makes sense If your feed still feels off after manual cleanup, starting fresh is the most effective reset.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 Feb. 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
  • This level of coordination effectively marries ancient Chinese martial arts with modern precision engineering.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Analysts say the result could mean more stability for modern day Thailand, which has had three prime ministers in as many years and a 20-year cycle of military coups, violent street protests and paralyzing political instability.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Many working families need alternative hours that only private childcare providers can offer.
    CalMatters, Oc Register, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Large alternative asset managers such as Apollo Global Management and TPG have also unveiled sports units.
    Luisa Beltran, Sportico.com, 18 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • If moisture is limited, young or newly planted vegetation can become stressed.
    Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 19 Feb. 2026
  • There are today, hundreds of newly unemployed journalists, great minds with free time.
    Jennifer Lutz, New York Daily News, 19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Meet the Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat For those unfamiliar with this elusive species, the northern hairy-nosed wombat is a remarkable creature by any measure.
    Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Review linked apps and remove anything unfamiliar or unused.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Prior to the inaugural event last year, Young and Gamache flew around the country to talk with high-caliber fine artists in the hopes of enticing them to join the brand-new event.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Feb. 2026
  • The organization rolled out a brand-new policy of systematically observing players’ throws.
    Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 17 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“New.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/new. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.

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