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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

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
Shot in Hong Kong, Macau, Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, and Phuket, the series reimagines John le Carré’s original novel as a spy thriller set across Asia. Zac Ntim, Deadline, 15 Jan. 2026 Arnold’s original prudence was followed by overspending. John Seiler, Oc Register, 15 Jan. 2026
Noun
Along with fellow originals Hart and Kreutzmann, Weir recruited musicians Oteil Burbridge, Jeff Chimenti and the man who would become his steady stage partner the past decade, fellow singer-guitarist John Mayer. Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 10 Jan. 2026 The series has broken audience records as the largest global premiere week for originals for the service. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for original
Recent Examples of Synonyms for original
Adjective
  • Both twins survived the initial fetal surgery and Sarah was later discharged, but spent the next four weeks undergoing two ultrasounds a week just to make sure everything still looked okay.
    Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 16 Jan. 2026
  • On multiple occasions, body camera video and cellphone footage has contradicted federal officials' initial claims about the shootings.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 16 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Based on the Qiushi article, the government is expected to implement more innovative and targeted measures, Michelle Kwok, HSBC’s head of Asia real estate and Hong Kong equity research, wrote in a report Thursday.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2026
  • At this exclusive, high-energy event, the world’s most innovative leaders will convene to explore how AI, humanity, and strategy converge to redefine, again, the future of work.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • By grafting old-school procedural pleasures onto a 24-esque real-time format, the show produced a genuinely novel structure in the post-prestige era that was impossible to look away from.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 6 Jan. 2026
  • May 5 Schumacher is really funny (her hilarious novel Dear Committee Member won the Thurber Prize)!
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • However, orbital congestion is an increasing problem and could pose a serious challenge by the time prototype space solar satellites are flying in orbit by the late 2020s.
    Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 14 Jan. 2026
  • But Pliyt's prototype, revealed at CES just days ago, aims to differentiate itself by turning introverts' dreams into reality.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Ornery, bizarre, cantankerous, brilliant, talented, stubborn—all characters from our lives.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Jan. 2026
  • The show features figure skating, DJs, music and sing-alongs as Mickey Mouse, Goofy and other Disney characters hit the stage.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • His first action of the night came after about three minutes into the game, not long after going over to the exercise bike parked just outside the tunnel leading to their locker room, jumping on it while being advised by a member of the Hornets’ performance staff.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Pratt launched his mayoral run on the first anniversary of the Los Angeles fires, which destroyed his and his wife Heidi Montag’s home.
    Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Behind the Dream, a book chronicling the musical’s 13-year journey to Broadway complemented by behind-the-scenes commentary plus interviews with the creative team and original cast, was released by Keys this past October.
    Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 15 Jan. 2026
  • What’s growing instead is a sense of collaboration… This signals a new global curiosity about India’s creative energy.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and actor Harry Styles finally has a new album dropping after a nearly four-year hiatus, and fans are chomping at the bit.
    Charlie Vargas, Oc Register, 16 Jan. 2026
  • Last year, the team effectively ditched plans to build a new stadium in a space next to the Coliseum known as the Malibu Lot, citing complications.
    Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 16 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Original.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/original. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.

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