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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
That connection between an original idea and something familiar was the pivotal moment that got the film approved. Tendayi Viki, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025 The original idea was that every few weeks the space would be taken over by an entirely new concept, transforming the experience for the shopper. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
The talented threesome kicked off the run in fine fashion on Wednesday (April 2) at the beautiful Bing Concert Hall on the Stanford University campus, delivering a 90-minute set that was stocked with a mix of Mehldau originals and cover tunes. Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2025 Rounding out the Top 10 streaming originals for the week of March 3 were Hulu’s Paradise (with the release of its Season 1 finale), Apple TV+’s Severance, Netflix’s Zero Day, Peacock’s The Traitors and Prime Video’s Invincible. Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for original
Recent Examples of Synonyms for original
Adjective
  • To get a more complete picture of the impact of Trump’s initial tariff policies on the sporting goods and apparel industry, Sportico obtained a list of suppliers for 11 major companies that share their facilities on the platform Open Supply Hub.
    Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Clark made the initial comments in her interview in December with Time Magazine and refreshed those remarks in her interview with comedian David Letterman.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Through innovative thinking, sports organisations are engaging to support waste being transformed into anything from furniture to clothing.
    Claire Poole, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • From Rhode’s viral peptide lip treatment to Glossier’s signature balm dot calm, the market is currently completely saturated with innovative lip product releases—and based off the virality of these products on social media, to many consumer’s delight.
    Elizabeth Grace Coyne, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Giving consumers an authentic, memorable, and novel experience that shows how the brand understands the consumer on a deeper level forges a connection that can’t be bought.
    Alison Coleman, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • But Guillory learned something crucial about her evolution as an author while working on her latest novel Flirting Lessons, out April 8.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • After earmarking 610 billion won ($414 million) to build a battery plant near its Busan headquarters, the company unveiled its battery prototype in March 2024, touting it as more powerful than Tesla’s.
    Gloria Haraito, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The prototype Bat flipped the traditional coaster concept on its head — with the trains swinging from side to side while hanging below the track.
    Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 11 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
  • Harper started the party in the first inning with a two-run homer off Alcantara — his fifth of the season and the third in the last four games.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The Mavs do have a first round draft selection in the upcoming NBA Draft, which will be in the lottery.
    Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Steppenwolf’s Ensemble Theater, a 400-seat theater in the round, opened in the fall of 2021 and has proved a creative challenge for the company.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025
  • In celebration of the movie's 30th anniversary, the documentary entitled Not Just a Goof, debuting today on Disney+, tells the untold story of the creative team and their up and down journey tackling their first Disney feature.
    DeVonne Goode, Parents, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Season 5 to explore new relationship, show creator says While some may still be rooting for Emily to patch things up with Gabriel, the focus of this upcoming season will be Emily's relationship with Marcello, Star told Tudum.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • First discovered: 4 hours ago, 12:37 p.m. April 18 Initial location: San Mateo County, Calif. Fire type: Wildfire Fire name: Hill Ic A new wildfire was reported today at 12:37 p.m. in San Mateo County.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 19 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Original.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/original. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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