novel 1 of 2

novel

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adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective novel differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of novel are fresh, new, and original. While all these words mean "having recently come into existence or use," novel applies to what is not only new but strange or unprecedented.

a novel approach to the problem

When could fresh be used to replace novel?

While the synonyms fresh and novel are close in meaning, fresh applies to what has not lost its qualities of newness such as liveliness, energy, brightness.

a fresh start

In what contexts can new take the place of novel?

Although the words new and novel have much in common, 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 might original be a better fit than novel?

The meanings of original and novel largely overlap; 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 novel
Noun
Both the novel and movie chronicle the infamous 50th Hunger Games tournament that took place decades before the events of the original trilogy that starred Jennifer Lawrence as victor turned revolutionist Katniss Everdeen. Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 16 May 2025 Adapted from the novel by Gu Byeong-mo, author of Apartment Women. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 16 May 2025
Adjective
Structured engagement between the world’s two largest economies should not be a novel idea. Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 13 May 2025 An Avocado Green Shirt, Pale Blue Bag, and Pleated Trousers Summer’s coolest outfit is a familiar one, simply executed in a novel color palette: avocado green, pale blue, and bright white. Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for novel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for novel
Noun
  • Patriotism became a litmus test, and scholars who applied their expertise to offer critical analyses of America’s revered narratives were suspected of harboring a dangerous un-American ideology.
    Time, Time, 20 May 2025
  • So that was probably reflected more in the narrative.
    Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • Alfred Hitchcock turned one of Woolrich’s novelettes into Rear Window, for which Woolrich was paid the grand sum of $650.
    Sam Kashner, Air Mail, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Graphic novelettes issued by the U.S. Army Cyber Institute aim to educate soldiers about digital threats Stephen Cass 23 Mar 2018 3 min read Stephen Cass is the special projects editor at IEEE Spectrum.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 23 Mar. 2018
Adjective
  • The webcast is available on its website and on social media platform X. Coverage will also be available on SpaceX's new X TV app.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 25 May 2025
  • The series invites young adventurers to explore the joys and challenges of moving to new places, meeting new people, discovering different cultures and building lasting friendships.
    Deb Harvell, Arkansas Online, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • In this fiction, the Crusades were not waged against Moors, but against elves – a race said to devour the flesh of humans, among other atrocities that are neither confirmed nor denied by the end of the story.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
  • And the contemporary women’s fiction category, where Reid is often listed, ended 2024 with a nearly 30% increase in sales over 2019 numbers, according to analyst Kristen McLean.
    Lucy Feldman, Time, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • Where are the many monographs on green and yellow, the treatises on more esoteric shades like violet or tangerine?
    Amanda Fortini, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Whereas a book or an article once took the form of a series of pages of text bound together, now digital monographs might include audio clips, video, data visualizations, and more.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 7 May 2025
Adjective
  • Kennedy has, at times, seemed unfamiliar with programs and staff that had been cut, and suggested as many as 20% of the people fired could be brought back if they are deemed essential.
    Selena Simmons-Duffin, NPR, 13 May 2025
  • Others view them as a hazard, especially for people unfamiliar with how to drive through them.
    Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 May 2025
Noun
  • The new book features exclusive anecdotes from the most influential figures in modern horror film, including Halloween queen Jamie Lee Curtis and Scream’s Neve Campbell and director Sam Raimi (Evil Dead, Drag Me to Hell).
    Escher Walcott, People.com, 13 May 2025
  • During the talk, which was moderated by broadcaster Edith Bowman, Cruise shared lengthy anecdotes about shooting particular movies from his oeuvre, like A Few Good Men.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 11 May 2025
Noun
  • Pour the nut milk through a fine mesh strainer or a nut milk bag to remove the pulp (the hazelnut pulp is fantastic stirred into pancake or muffin batter) and store the milk in a jar, shaking well before each use.
    Laura Mclively, Mercury News, 1 May 2025
  • This will allow the juice to filter through the strainer and into the bowl, leaving the pulp behind.
    Hannah Coakley, MSPH, RDN, Verywell Health, 21 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Novel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/novel. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

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