original 1 of 2

1
2
3

original

2 of 2

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 vision was to phase out the Flintstones theme, but overwhelming public affection and nostalgia changed their minds. Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025 WeWork, for example, was largely built on bravado, but the original business model simply couldn’t sustain itself. Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Noun
The were four American originals in the Top 10, spearheaded by Season 3 of Bridgerton (123.3M views), which has more than a smidge of British influence. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 23 July 2025 Visitors can explore the fort, which is a replica of the original and is one of few forts reconstructed to its actual size. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 22 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for original
Recent Examples of Synonyms for original
Adjective
  • That makes the the initial 0.5% of income donated to charity not deductible.
    Bruce Brumberg, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • That's because the initial yield of NASA's Kepler space telescope, which discovered nearly 3,000 planets in its nine years of operation, relied on worlds transiting — passing between their star and Earth.
    Nola Taylor Tillman, Space.com, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • WorkLife With Adam Grant Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist, delves into workplaces that have incorporated innovative strategies to make every day more productive and actually fun.
    Toni Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • Wayne Metro is helping a handful of residents, mostly in Wayne County, book their first trips, said Megan Wilk, Wayne Metro's director of innovative programs.
    Christina Hall, Freep.com, 26 July 2025
Adjective
  • Her novel Tongue was published in English by Bloomsbury in 2009.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 July 2025
  • But in reality, many of the most successful companies didn’t start with novel inventions.
    Abdo Riani, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • This looks to be a pre-release model, but one that has advanced beyond the basic prototype stage.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
  • The first prototypes, Coyote Rovers, started as Boston Dynamics Spot robots.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 July 2025
Noun
  • Since the 1940s, professional wrestling has grown in popularity, thanks to its creative characters, stellar performances, and broad appeal to a mainstream audience.
    Mark LaSota, Forbes.com, 27 July 2025
  • Bowen reprises her character, Virginia Venit, in the comedy classic's second installment.
    Skyler Caruso, People.com, 26 July 2025
Adjective
  • With the first two episodes already having so much drama, the rest of the summer is sure to be eventful.
    Dina Kaur, AZCentral.com, 24 July 2025
  • The project is the first to enlist youth to do this monitoring.
    Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • Our dining and nightlife correspondent Ana Gutierrez rounded up the creative tequila and mezcal cocktails Austin bars have on tap to mark the occasion.
    Deborah Sengupta Stith, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
  • Forbes Communications Council is an invitation-only community for executives in successful public relations, media strategy, creative and advertising agencies.
    Meghan Keough, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • The 151st Kentucky Derby set new records for all-sources handle and viewership.
    Olivia Evans, The Courier-Journal, 24 July 2025
  • The sports arena floated as a solution to save the State Fair site never materialized, but new buildings did begin to replace the old on the fairgrounds, including a 1,000-seat amphitheater in 1974 and a new Coliseum in 1976.
    Chris Foran, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Original.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/original. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on original

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!