Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

novel

adjective

Synonyms and Antonyms of novel

not known or experienced before
  • That's a novel idea for a TV series!
Synonyms of novel

fresh, new, original, strange, unaccustomed, unfamiliar, unheard-of, unknown, unprecedented
Words Related to novel

innovative, unique

nontraditional, unconventional, untried, unused, unworn

pathbreaking, pioneering, trailblazing
Near Antonyms of novel

conventional, established, traditional, tried, tried-and-true

derivative, imitative
Antonyms of novel

familiar, hackneyed, old, time-honored, tired, warmed-over

Synonym Discussion of novel

new, novel, original, fresh mean having recently come into existence or use. new may apply to what is freshly made and unused
    • new brick
or has not been known before
    • new designs
or not experienced before.
    • starts the new job
novel applies to what is not only new but strange or unprecedented.
    • a novel approach to the problem
original applies to what is the first of its kind to exist.
    • a man without one original idea
fresh applies to what has not lost its qualities of newness such as liveliness, energy, brightness.
    • a fresh start

Learn More about novel

  1. Dictionary: Definition of novel Spanish Central: Translation of novel Nglish: Translation of novel for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of novel for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about novel

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up novel? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games