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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
In 2020, due to COVID, the original location closed. Jayla Webb, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 June 2025 Key ‘Ohana plays original and traditional Hawaiian music. Sarah Z. Sleeper, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
Noun
Following the album announcement, Sheard designed four iterations of the sash, aiming to create a replica as precise as the original. Ruth Etiesit Samuel, Essence, 4 June 2025 Returning cast members from the 1996 original include Bowen, McDonald and Ben Stiller, plus newcomers such as Bad Bunny, Travis Kelce, Margaret Qualley, Benny Safdie and Sandler’s daughters Sadie and Sunny. Pat Saperstein, Variety, 1 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for original
Recent Examples of Synonyms for original
Adjective
  • Four out of the five former Biden White House officials tapped for congressional interviews have made initial contact with the committee via their lawyers since the chairman sent his letters on May 22, a source familiar with the panel’s work told the Washington Examiner.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 29 May 2025
  • And ask how often do their patients need red-reduce surgery, or revision surgery, after the initial surgery.
    Carlos Wolf, Miami Herald, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • Achieve flawless curls or a pin-straight blowout with the innovative tool.
    Náosha Gregg, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
  • Mat Franco – Season 9 Mat Franco made history by becoming the first magician to win the competition, thrilling audiences with his innovative sleight-of-hand tricks and engaging storytelling.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • Which is a very novel concept, because most things are incubated in the States or maybe overseas in the U.K.
    H. Alan Scott, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
  • In contrast, predictive procurement is a novel approach that leverages decision simulations for supplier selection, price negotiation and process steps to anticipate and respond to price fluctuations, ensuring businesses stay agile in an ever-changing market.
    Edmund Zagorin, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Noun
  • Taking place in June 2023, American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans studies the story of when an American stock car Chevrolet Camaro competed against the futuristic Ferrari and Porsche prototypes in the grueling 24-hour challenge.
    Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 June 2025
  • This is a polished-looking prototype but not necessarily a pending commercial product.
    John Burek, PC Magazine, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • To take her mind off him, Agathe meets an Austen-like family of eccentrics running the retreat and the sometimes pretentious writers attending it.
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 22 May 2025
  • But the settlers’ belief in the value of public goods and embrace of independent thinkers remain woven into the character of the city, which continues to attract artists, eccentrics and writers.
    Isabelle Taft, New York Times, 4 May 2025
Adjective
  • Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 6 June 2025
  • Adding to the shock factor of this particular comeback was how badly Indiana handled the ball in the first half.
    Joe Vardon, New York Times, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • Sanlorenzo Arts–a creative hub dedicated to the artistic and cultural initiatives of luxury yacht pioneers Sanlorenzo–has been unveiled in Venice during the inaugural Venice Climate Week (3-8 June, 2025), as the lagoon city presents la Biennale di Architettura.
    Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • The result was a team that successfully blocked the hosts almost all of the match but also failed to be creative and aggressive in offense, a flaw also under Ancelotti’s predecessors.
    Mauricio Savarese, Baltimore Sun, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • The hitmaker returned to the ceremony in 2025, debuting a new look on the red carpet.
    Michael Nied, People.com, 6 June 2025
  • President Donald Trump flipped Miami-Dade red for the first time since George H.W. Bush won the presidency in 1988, riding new support throughout the majority-Hispanic county.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Original.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/original. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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