Synonyms of original

original 1 of 2

adjective

ə-ˈri-jə-nᵊl 

1

as in initial

coming before all others in time or order

the original plan had to be discarded when the situation changed drastically

Synonyms & Similar Words

• initial
• first
• earliest
• inaugural
• foremost
• maiden
• previous
• pioneer
• premier
• early
• primary
• ancient
• headmost
• primordial
• primeval
• leadoff
• prime
• virgin
• preceding
• primitive
• primal
• antecedent

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• last
• final
• latter
• latest
• ultimate
• terminal
• late
• subsequent
• following
• advanced
• terminating
• succeeding
• ensuing
• consequent
• penultimate

2

as in innovative

having the skill and imagination to create new things

an original artist who wanted his paintings to convey his emotional responses to the people, objects, and landscapes he painted

Synonyms & Similar Words

• innovative
• creative
• inventive
• imaginative
• innovational
• talented
• ingenious
• gifted
• prolific
• clever
• originative
• innovatory
• inspired
• Promethean
• resourceful
• generative
• fertile
• productive
• germinal
• fruitful
• fecund

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unimaginative
• unoriginal
• imitative
• uncreative
• uninspired
• uninventive
• unproductive
• infertile
• talentless

3

as in novel

not known or experienced before

separate categories for original and adapted screenplays

Synonyms & Similar Words

• novel
• new
• unfamiliar
• fresh
• unprecedented
• strange
• unknown
• unique
• unheard-of
• innovative
• unaccustomed
• nontraditional
• unconventional
• pioneering
• unused
• untried
• unworn
• trailblazing
• pathbreaking

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• old
• familiar
• traditional
• hackneyed
• tired
• conventional
• established
• time-honored
• derivative
• warmed-over
• tried
• tried-and-true
• imitative

original

2 of 2

noun

1

as in prototype

something from which copies are made

please make copies to hand out, but keep the original

Synonyms & Similar Words

• prototype
• source
• example
• blueprint
• archetype
• model
• classic
• paradigm
• mold
• pattern
• ideal
• exemplar
• draft
• paragon
• beau ideal
• nonpareil

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• copy
• reproduction
• imitation
• replica
• forgery
• sham
• fake
• counterfeit

2

as in character

a person of odd or whimsical habits

the town's singing mailman is an original, all right

Synonyms & Similar Words

• character
• eccentric
• oddball
• piece of work
• zany
• rarity
• crank
• screwball
• nut
• head case
• maverick
• oddity
• loony
• odd duck
• wacko
• crackpot
• flake
• weirdo
• fruitcake
• bohemian
• codger
• kook
• loon
• quiz
• nutcase
• nutter
• crack
• crackbrain
• freak
• nonconformist
• coot
• geezer
• curio
• quixote
• fantast
• fantastico

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• sheep
• follower
• conformist
• conformer

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

Recent Examples of original

Adjective

The mysterious client is clearly the original model for Ultron’s human form and the character who’s finally going to reveal, in the wrap-up episode, what’s really been going on this whole time. — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2026

The film, also featuring Helen Mirren, Peter O’Toole, John Gielgud and lots of orgies, was slammed by critics and audiences after its original release. — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 4 Nov. 2026

Noun

The original was likely destroyed or disfigured in a fire at Barnum’s museum or the Boston Museum. — Jack Daly, The Conversation, 4 Nov. 2026

Cage is the only original cast member returning from the original, which also starred Jared Leto, Ethan Hawke, Bridget Moynahan and others. — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 4 Nov. 2026