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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 originality
Narrative originality and character relatability were paramount even as throwback franchises reclaimed the spotlight in theaters, and sequels to recent horror hits tested the still-forming legacies of emerging filmmakers.
—
Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 19 Dec. 2025
Niche and chic fragrance brand Maison D’etto is the perfect destination to look for a signature scent that oozes originality.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 19 Dec. 2025
Following a selection process, three screenplays were reviewed and chosen by The Horror Section and WeShort teams for their originality, craft, and cinematic potential.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 18 Dec. 2025
The jury will assess submissions on criteria including originality, storytelling, and artistic execution and direction.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for originality
Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 19 Dec. 2025
Niche and chic fragrance brand Maison D’etto is the perfect destination to look for a signature scent that oozes originality.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 19 Dec. 2025
Following a selection process, three screenplays were reviewed and chosen by The Horror Section and WeShort teams for their originality, craft, and cinematic potential.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 18 Dec. 2025
The jury will assess submissions on criteria including originality, storytelling, and artistic execution and direction.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for originality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for originality
Noun
-
Watson did have a gene associated with novelty-seeking.—
Reuters,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
-
The grocery chain’s newest novelty item, the Trader Joe's Can of Corn Scented Candle, is already making waves online for its playful design and surprisingly inviting scent.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Because of the skills that neurodiverse individuals can bring to the workplace — hyperfocus, creativity, empathy and niche expertise, just to name a few — some research suggests that organizations prioritizing inclusivity in this space generate nearly one-fifth higher revenue.—
Rachel Curry,
CNBC,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Recent scientific studies have found that horticultural therapy promotes creativity, self-esteem, social interaction and sensory stimulation.—
The San Diego Union Tribune,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
For their part, many voters always seem to be searching for some idealized candidate who exists only in their imagination.—
Mark Z. Barabak,
Mercury News,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The Visionary Award recognizes an individual who has uniquely and consistently employed the art and science of VFX to foster imagination and ignite future discoveries by way of artistry, invention and groundbreaking work.—
Erik Pedersen,
Deadline,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
In a sea of brown and beige foods, a salad adds a welcome bit of freshness, color, and texture to the table.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
9 Nov. 2025
-
This practice of airing out your bedding is maintained in Scandinavian and other cold-weather cultures, where it's been practiced for centuries to maximize the crisp freshness of laundry day.—
Abby Wolner,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The hope is for Harold James to bring newness and an edge to the megabrand, which is beneficial at a sluggish time for the beauty market.—
Vogue Business Team,
Vogue,
4 Nov. 2025
-
At Vans, revenue showed sequential improvement as product newness drew in new customers, while at Timberland, which saw strong demand in the Americas driven by a strong back-to-school season.—
Vicki M. Young,
Footwear News,
28 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
For 175 years, California has been a marvel of invention and reinvention, disaster and recovery, grit and ingenuity.—
Sacramento Bee staff,
Sacbee.com,
8 Jan. 2026
-
For me this award reflects the dedication, ingenuity, and generosity of spirit by so many of our artists that have joined me on this journey over the past 38 years.—
Beatrice Verhoeven,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The movie is like a version of Waiting for Guffman (1996) in which the Christopher Guest character was not a buffoon but an earnest striver with grit and (significant) talent.—
Peter Tonguette,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
-
That’s because North Crowley’s talent development, depth, culture and recent success have put the school in a position to compete for championships.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
These grander moments of inventiveness don’t stop City from finding joy and absurdity in smaller and seemingly inconsequential stories either.—
Kambole Campbell,
Vulture,
9 Dec. 2025
-
The Innovation Award honors exceptional distinctiveness, inventiveness and impact in expanding the conventions of program format, content, audience interaction, production technique and delivery.—
Giana Levy,
Variety,
9 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Originality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/originality. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share