1
as in novelty
the quality or appeal of being new
the originality of the war memorial sparked a heated controversy, as most people had been expecting something more traditional
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in creativity
the skill and imagination to create new things
a poet of great originality, she brought a whole new range of subject matter and imagery to poetry
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in imagination
the ability to form mental images of things that either are not physically present or have never been conceived or created by others
a graphic novel that shows a lot of originality on the part of its creator
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of originality
The name is a nod to the animal’s originality — a creature that is genuinely its own, not a variation of something already known.
—
Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 20 Feb. 2026
Of course neither an award nor a banning is an accurate barometer of the originality or beauty of a thing, and the marketplace that determines whether a book is read by eager millions or six gentle poets in quiet contemplation is a poor barometer as well.
—Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026
While the weary court composer is buried in the bureaucracy of state music, teaching scores of pupils, serving on endless committees and composing anthems and choral pieces, Mozart is dashing off works of startling originality while acting like a complete goofball.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Hanzlik says his originality as a coach transcended such classification anyway.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for originality
Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 20 Feb. 2026
Of course neither an award nor a banning is an accurate barometer of the originality or beauty of a thing, and the marketplace that determines whether a book is read by eager millions or six gentle poets in quiet contemplation is a poor barometer as well.
—Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026
While the weary court composer is buried in the bureaucracy of state music, teaching scores of pupils, serving on endless committees and composing anthems and choral pieces, Mozart is dashing off works of startling originality while acting like a complete goofball.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Hanzlik says his originality as a coach transcended such classification anyway.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for originality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for originality
Noun
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At the same time, however, gummies were seen as a novelty rather than a serious method of taking vitamins, minerals and supplements (VMS).—
Gretchen Wittenmyer-Stone,
Miami Herald,
26 Feb. 2026
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These placements reflect confidence in the brand’s relevance and staying power, positioning Aurélien alongside houses known for long-term credibility rather than short-term novelty.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
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His family's creativity was the foundation for Dupart's life's work.—
Edie Kasten,
CBS News,
28 Feb. 2026
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This bilingual, family-friendly performance blends original music, storytelling and imagination to build confidence, creativity and connection.—
Melissa Grzybowski,
Austin American Statesman,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Developing her personal relationship with Jesus took real imagination and practice.—
Jen Christensen,
CNN Money,
2 Mar. 2026
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Upon entering any art gallery or museum, visitors are consenting to having their imaginations stimulated with new concepts, designs and suggestions.—
Michael James Rocha,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 Mar. 2026
Noun
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On the street, strangers beamed at her round cheeks and blue eyes, and at me, happily implicated in her freshness.—
Daniel Smith,
The Atlantic,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Learn more about the shelf life of this housekeeping essential, along with tips for extending its freshness.—
Jolie Kerr,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
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But without freedom, Berdyaev writes, creativeness is impossible.—
Andrew McDiarmid,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
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There's also a palpable new seam of imaginativeness among residents.—
Toby Skinner,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Hydration Hugs isn’t the only element of newness in Atkin’s life as of late.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
27 Feb. 2026
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The newness extends to the Lyric Opera itself.—
Dan Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
25 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Little Edie became an icon representing ingenuity amidst adversity, largely due to her freethinking fashion sense.—
Rosemary Counter,
Vanity Fair,
25 Feb. 2026
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The country began a starkly successful race for ingenuity and hi-tech to survive; the pace of change and implementation unparalleled in a six-week innovation cycle of the front line – the time in which a new idea for killing appears.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
24 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Originality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/originality. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
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