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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
The many attending assistants around her eventually disperse — a little hesitantly because Sam is in the middle of preparing a new show — and the two withdraw to Sam’s cavernous studio. Jake Coyle, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026 This is the challenge for Jared Isaacman, NASA’s new administrator. Thomas Black, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2026 That's a fun new weapon for Cam Ward, and a clear new top receiver for the Titans. Andrew Greif, NBC news, 24 Apr. 2026 Thousands of these cases were brazen – with the same person registering a new company at the same address. Michael Kaplan, CBS News, 19 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for new
Recent Examples of Synonyms for new
Adjective
  • James Talarico is trying to sell a novel brand of Christian politics in a deep-red state.
    Elizabeth Bruenig, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Then there was the day in 1990 one of our researchers discovered at Yale’s Beinecke Library a set of page proofs of Richard Wright’s novel Native Son.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • As the Moon moves through your 11th House of Friends, collaboration brings fresh direction.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The Kansas City Chiefs, fresh off their first January at home in 11 years, were intent on rebuilding their defense.
    Zak Keefer, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Charging will be much improved with the refreshed EQS, too.
    Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 13 Apr. 2026
  • The German luxury marque has just unveiled the refreshed version of the saloon’s SUV equivalent, the GLS.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Velvet banquette couches and mid-century modern furniture punctuate roomy seating areas throughout the hotel, along with two main restaurant venues, an elegant cocktail bar, and a cozy coffee shop.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Thematic ambition, a sense of the something to be expressed beyond a central romance, rivalry, or farce, propels modern musical hits too, as in Hairspray, or Wicked, or (no duh) Hamilton.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Flora Chang, an analyst at financial services firm S&P Global Ratings told CNN the government’s proactive intervention has had some initial effect in curbing unhealthy competition, but platforms could find alternative ways to compete, including deploying subsidies in other forms.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Authorities have also moved quickly to reinforce alternative supply routes through Red Sea ports, helping maintain the flow of goods into the kingdom and across parts of the Gulf.
    Alaa Shahine Salha, semafor.com, 22 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • For the newly initiated, there is subtle messaging around the use of refillable water stations or reusing towels and linens, notes on sustainable shopping printed on hangers in closets, and a sand hourglass timer in the shower to help reduce water waste.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
  • After this, a newly discovered, patented bacterial strain was introduced.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • That gives you a chance to act quickly by freezing your credit, disputing unfamiliar accounts or contacting the lender.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Wheels meet legs The new video from Unitree is drawing attention for pushing humanoid mobility into unfamiliar territory—on wheels and ice.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The tour is anchored in the franchise’s 10th anniversary – the anime first aired in April 2016 – with the milestone year also bringing a commemorative logo, special visual releases and the announcement of a brand-new extra episode.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Apr. 2026
  • The brand-new 25,000-square-foot Lévé Wellness Center and Spa is a spectacular addition to a resort built to harmonize with nature.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“New.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/new. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.

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