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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
Death and taxes and Diane Warren with an Oscar nomination for best original song. ABC News, 2 Mar. 2025 In their original incarnation, the Dolls only lasted a few years, and Johansen went on to have a more varied career — as Buster Poindexter, as blues singer, as actor — than anyone could have imagined in the early Seventies. David Browne, Rolling Stone, 2 Mar. 2025
Noun
While the original was released over the summer, the sequel premiered during the new year, when citizens have off from school and work. Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 25 Feb. 2025 The sappy Lifetime original is just the latest in the chain's social media marketing strategy. Tasha Tsiaperas, Axios, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for original
Recent Examples of Synonyms for original
Adjective
  • While the team has become the most successful spring football league franchise, dating back to the years of the initial United States Football League in the 1980s, the Stallions’ growing trophy collection hasn’t quite translated to the team’s bottom line.
    Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 6 Mar. 2025
  • The information released by the state to the public gives no indication what might happen if an inmate survives the initial shots.
    Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This innovative utensil uses a mild electric current to simulate a salty taste without adding sodium, offering a potential breakthrough for those on low-sodium diets.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Tokito: The 540-Day Journey of a Culinary Maverick (Japan) Maverick chef Yoshinori Ishii, an internationally renowned two-star Michelin chef, returns to Japan to transform a historic restaurant in Tokyo into an innovative auberge.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The View’s moderator showed off her trophy on the ABC daytime talk show after winning the Best Narration category for narrating her novel Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me.
    Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Those who master architectural optimizations, novel training techniques and adaptive AI strategies will define the next generation of artificial intelligence.
    Vandana Rana, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Several trials later, her first bioplastic prototypes were born.
    Carly Kay, The Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2025
  • But things changed after Kate Moss was seen with a rare prototype, and Le Dix Motorcycle Lariat, eventually known as Le City bag, came out in 2001.
    Kin Woo, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Would love to know what these career eccentrics make of the pomp and pageantry of the Grammys.
    August Brown, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2025
  • Foreman was one of the last living crossover theatrical eccentrics, an outsider artist whose philosophically rigorous work for downtown micro-audiences alternated with engagements at Lincoln Center and the Festival d’Automne, in Paris.
    Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Now Tennessee has staked a claim to the first No. 1 seed in program history with a stirring comeback, charging back from a nine-point deficit in the final 10 minutes.
    Joe Rexrode, The Athletic, 2 Mar. 2025
  • On the other hand, Creed is a seasoned campaigner in the Xfinity Series but is still chasing his first win.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Brett Alan Nelson, Doja Cat’s stylist and creative director is behind this brilliant look.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 3 Mar. 2025
  • However, this year will focus on songwriters and behind-the-scenes insights into the creative process.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Wide receiver Deebo Samuel is the Washington Commanders' newest offensive weapon.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Stream Kate Hudson's new Netflix basketball comedy 'Running Point' Kate Hudson is getting some interesting firsts knocked out at this point in her career.
    Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Original.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/original. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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