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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

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
Newsweek has contacted Republican state Senator Ileana Garcia, the bill's original sponsor, and Republican state Representative Kevin Steele, who introduced it to the House, for comment outside regular working hours. James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025 In April, Nintendo announced the $449.99 Switch 2 console, a step up from the original $300 Switch, and also lifted the price of games. Jordan Novet, CNBC, 1 May 2025
Noun
No, Anna Kendrick, the romantic interest of Christian Wolff (Ben Affleck) in the 2016 original, does not return. Erin Jensen, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025 Then in 1974 there was a tremendous sequel, The Godfather Part II, widely considered to be among the very few film sequels to match or even surpass the original. Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for original
Recent Examples of Synonyms for original
Adjective
  • As with the coal black tree snake, the atra tree snake has thus far only been found on its initial island of discovery, Misima.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The cost of the initial investment has not been fully determined, Roberts said.
    Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Its innovative dial was made to flip over so the metal back case would face the sun while on the wrist during a match, so the dial wouldn’t get damaged.
    Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 3 May 2025
  • For the Formula 1 fan, WWD picked a quartet of watches that are likely to get the heart racing thanks to innovative materials, high-flying complications and feats of engineering.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • To keep it looking full and fresh all season, the manufacturer suggests a novel tip—just hit it with a hairdryer on low for effortless dusting.
    Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Apr. 2025
  • But no matter your preference, following the links enhances your creativity and interdisciplinary thinking, spurring novel connections between divergent ideas.
    Ann Kowal Smith, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In the third round range, the Bills generally rely on a prototype for certain positions — defensive end among them — to give their picks the best chance to succeed in the NFL.
    Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Slice an ambitious goal into micro-wins—a prototype, a key call, a test launch.
    Adam Levine, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Robert Redford delivers folksy wisdom as a local eccentric who once had his own dragon encounter, and even Karl Urban’s greedy logger is more of a nuisance than an outright villain.
    Josh Bell, Vulture, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Attracting talent for greater innovation hazards acquiring a few eccentrics whose gifts come wrapped in controversial packaging.
    Chip Bell, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Mercury in your sign for the first couple of weeks in February sharpens your focus, giving you the clarity needed to map out your vision.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 May 2025
  • The style retailer, which expanded to include accessories, fragrances and footwear, won Combs a Council of Fashion Designers of America Award in 2004 for menswear designer of the year, the first Black designer to earn the honor.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • With a bold new identity and logo developed in collaboration with creative agency Doubleday & Cartwright, the AU Pro Volleyball Championship builds on Athletes Unlimited’s legacy of innovation since its 2021 debut.
    Jenn Nelson, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • Just serve up the familiar, without getting creative.
    Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • The book’s vivid digital art, collaged from her own photographs and manipulated in Photoshop, helped children connect with science and nature in new ways.
    Kaitlyn Gomez, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • You’re being invited to graduate from the lessons of your past and step into a new version of yourself.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Original.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/original. Accessed 7 May. 2025.

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