new 1 of 2

1
2
3
4
5

new

2 of 2

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
Right now, there’s a broad consensus that the global populist right understands our almost post-literate new media in a way their opponents never will. Ben Smith, semafor.com, 20 Oct. 2025 But that won’t be the only item on the agenda, and the conclave may also include a personnel reshuffle if new officials are appointed to key roles vacated by those purged. Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2025 In Hubble's recent image, NGC 6951 unfurls its graceful spiral arms, covered in red nebulae glowing with hydrogen gas, a key fuel for new stars. Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 20 Oct. 2025 And new recipes like Pumpkin Flan de Queso and Pumpkin Tiramisu remind us there’s always more to discover from a familiar ingredient. The Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for new
Recent Examples of Synonyms for new
Adjective
  • Pairing kitchen countertops with a backsplash isn’t necessarily a novel idea.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Calvin Kasulke Calvin Kasulke is the author of the novel Several People Are Typing.
    Calvin Kasulke, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Anglers who want to keep their catch fresh on a long drive home are better served to cover fish in a dry livewell with ice.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2025
  • His monthly Inside China column explores the issues that shape discussions and understanding about Chinese innovation, providing fresh perspectives not found elsewhere.
    Ni Tao, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Fans are also anticipating getting their first looks inside the refreshed stadium.
    Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Each year, Indiana Landmarks releases the list to advocate for the sites in hope of educating people and attracting developers, individuals and organizations to contribute financially and help these buildings find a refreshed purpose.
    Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • But one scholar, Anthony Grafton, who about thirty years ago published Forgers and Critics, focused on how in the early modern period, there was this enormous flourishing not only of culture but also of liars.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The program features hits from the ’70s, such as The Beatles, Billy Joel, Elvis and The Carpenters, with modern twist.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Sensitive sleepers who crave the feel of a firm down pillow can turn to this hypoallergenic down alternative fill.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Observe the actual landing cost, including any hidden costs and delays, and move 20–30 percent of manufacturing to alternative arrangements.
    Vitalii Savryha, Sourcing Journal, 21 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • Ibsen’s title character is a spoiled, headstrong young woman who, newly and unhappily married to a dull scholar, enacts a Machiavellian scheme to advance his career and her social standing, with catastrophic results.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The bill would also allow newly married couples to combine accumulated Save Our Homes benefits.
    Jim Turner, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The top challenges cited with this model included unfamiliar peers and longer routes.
    Caroline Beck, IndyStar, 22 Oct. 2025
  • On Tubi, the belief is that the consumers of this kind of content are a mix of existing fans of the creators as well as viewers who were previously unfamiliar with the creators, since many go through and watch all episodes.
    Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Open box products are a great way to save money on unused items that are still in brand-new condition.
    Christine Persaud, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Since then, Giglio has continued to document their renovation journey, teasing followers with progress updates and the upcoming reveal of their brand-new deck.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“New.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/new. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on new

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!