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Definition of originalnext
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original

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective original differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of original are fresh, new, and novel. While all these words mean "having recently come into existence or use," original applies to what is the first of its kind to exist.

a man without one original idea

Where would fresh be a reasonable alternative to original?

In some situations, the words fresh and original are roughly equivalent. However, fresh applies to what has not lost its qualities of newness such as liveliness, energy, brightness.

a fresh start

When can new be used instead of original?

The words new and original can be used in similar contexts, but 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 novel be a good substitute for original?

The words novel and original 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

How does the adjective original differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of original are fresh, new, and novel. While all these words mean "having recently come into existence or use," original applies to what is the first of its kind to exist.

a man without one original idea

Where would fresh be a reasonable alternative to original?

In some situations, the words fresh and original are roughly equivalent. However, fresh applies to what has not lost its qualities of newness such as liveliness, energy, brightness.

a fresh start

When can new be used instead of original?

The words new and original can be used in similar contexts, but 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 novel be a good substitute for original?

The words novel and original 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

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 original
Adjective
There’s considered craftsmanship and next-level detail throughout, from the terracotta brick floors to the ship-motif curtains that nod to Seville’s status as a trading port in the 16th century and the original Spanish tiles in the corridors. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Apr. 2026 When your original address—not just a Brooklyn townhouse, but the Brooklyn townhouse—becomes Pinterest’s definitive mood board-inspiring space, the pressure is on for the next act to follow suit. Freya Drohan, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
Any explicit references to the original in the reboot are made abundantly clear. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2026 The 2012 original was a smash hit, launching Jennifer Lawrence's career and setting opening day records. K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for original
Recent Examples of Synonyms for original
Adjective
  • The permanent chair controls a $468,000 committee budget, the second-largest of any City Council committee, and holds a seat on the Chicago Plan Commission, which gives initial approval to major developments.
    Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Oil prices rose again Thursday above $100 a barrel as initial optimism about a truce gave way to uncertainty.
    Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • That money supports our more than 200,000 students through new scholarships, innovative programs and unique educational opportunities.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
  • And all thanks to some innovative use of AI.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • And the business of litigating accidents has become so lucrative that, earlier this year, one Baton Rouge personal-injury firm announced a novel partnership with a private-equity fund.
    Patrick Radden Keefe, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
  • This was a novel predator for them.
    Michael H Gavshon, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The company, founded in 2019, flew its first prototype, Quarterhorse Mk 1, in May 2025 during a short low-speed flight at Edwards Air Force Base in the Mojave Desert.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Nearly 170 people at clinics in three states were shown a prototype over-the-counter package and drug facts label.
    Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Wonderlab’s focus will be creating wildly fun, commercial, character-driven, genre-bending films.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2026
  • The show jumps forward five years for its latest iteration, with the characters confronting adult (in every sense of the word) issues in their lives.
    Shirley Halperin, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Ben Saraf, making his first start since March 25, added eight early points, and the Nets closed the quarter on a 10-0 run to take a 30-29 lead into the second.
    C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2026
  • The Dilworth-South End border along the railroad back in 1988 was not the safest place; Thai Taste was robbed in its first six months of operations, and someone even came into the dining room and stole a customer’s purse during service.
    Timothy DePeugh, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Unique attractions like the Hattiesburg Pocket Museum and the nearby Lucky Rabbit, a massive vintage store known for its creative displays, also attract visitors, Dorsey said.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Rubin assembled a creative team to develop the Candy Hall of Fame, which will open in summer 2027, including designer Janet Planet and Broadway set designer David Korins.
    Brian J. Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • His government promulgated a new constitution after just nine days of debate in the National Assembly.
    Kapil Komireddi, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Years later, new forensic testing led to a breakthrough.
    Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Original.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/original. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.

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