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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
The original demo was just an acoustic guitar and a vocal that Tucker Beathard [co-writer, along with Jimi Bell and Jon Sherwood] did. Were you involved in the decision to add Luke Combs to the song? Melinda Newman, Billboard, 18 June 2025 The first trailer for the game begins with a conversation between M, Bond’s classic superior and occasional foil, and Greenway, an original character described by IO Interactive’ website as a mentor figure (although no voice actors for the roles have been announced). Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2025
Noun
Seasons 2 and 3, now Netflix originals, bow on June 29, 2018, and June 28, 2019. John Hopewell, Variety, 16 June 2025 Expect to see playing card motifs on everything from wall art to pillows, with eerie quotes plucked straight from the pages of Lewis Carroll’s original. Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for original
Recent Examples of Synonyms for original
Adjective
  • Pele made it 3-1, then Zagallo put the game to bed with Brazil’s fourth after his initial corner was not cleared.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 22 June 2025
  • In the initial preemptive attack, Israel hit the same three sites targeted by the U.S. Several top Iranian nuclear scientists and the top general in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were killed in the operation, according to Iran.
    Luis Martinez, ABC News, 22 June 2025
Adjective
  • That translates to seeking inspiration and motivation from artistic heritage through innovative methods.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • Today, Valencia’s rich ceramic heritage is being reinvented by innovative artisans such as Ana Illueca and Raquel Vidal and Pedro Paz of Canoa Lab, whose work is available to view and purchase through studio visits.
    Elizabeth Bennett, Vogue, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • This novel satellite system has allowed the researchers to produce the first ever full year of satellite tracking data over Canada, according to Western University.
    Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 20 June 2025
  • There are some new and novel ideas that might provide a way around this challenge.
    Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • By 2019, his startup team had built a prototype and launched a DTC subscription model, pairing a predictable market with luxury branding.
    Tanya Benedicto Klich, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • Seed funding from investors, accelerators, or venture funds helps founders take the first critical steps: building a prototype, hiring that first team member, or testing their idea in the real world.
    Rob Zielonka, Hartford Courant, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • But to see it in a character so young is sort of heartbreaking.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 20 June 2025
  • Our challenge is to ensure each generation has the opportunity to engage with our stories, characters and life lessons.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • This is not the first time the council has approved increasing ticket prices.
    Jasmine Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
  • The first helicopter airline in Greece, hoper, has added four new destinations to its route map: Ios, Syros, Anafi and Porto Heli.
    Ramsey Qubein, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • Wirtz is almost the hybrid, more technically gifted and creative than Szoboszlai, while also possessing better physical capabilities to relentlessly press than Elliott.
    Andy Jones, New York Times, 18 June 2025
  • The future of brand experiences will run on AI, not for the sake of technology, but as a creative partner in storytelling, experiential design and emotional connection.
    Clara Ludmir, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Affectionately, the 35-year-old pop star is not known for setting or chasing trends, instead using fashion to tease new musical eras or evoke a sense of girl-next-door relatability.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 29 June 2025
  • Either way, your new bedding just might invoke dreams of France: All Sijo linen is sourced from Normandy, which has a centuries-old tradition of producing top-notch linen.
    Jenny Berg, Vogue, 29 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Original.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/original. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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