NEW Synonyms: 211 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'new' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of new are fresh , novel , and original . While all these words mean "having recently come into existence or use," 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

Q: When would 'fresh' be a good substitute for 'new'?

While the synonyms fresh and new are close in meaning, fresh applies to what has not lost its qualities of newness such as liveliness, energy, brightness. // a fresh start

Q: When might 'novel' be a better fit than 'new'?

The words novel and new 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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'original' instead of 'new'?

In some situations, the words original and new are roughly equivalent. However, original applies to what is the first of its kind to exist. // a man without one original idea

new 1 of 2

adjective

ˈnü

Definition of new next

as in alternative

taking the place of one that came before after my bike was stolen, my scooter became my new mode of transportation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in novel

not known or experienced before Spanish was a new course of study for her advances in optical technology allow us to observe new planets

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in fresh

recently made and never used before that unique scent that comes with a new car

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as in refreshed

made or become fresh in spirits or vigor a little rest made him a new man after the exhausting basketball game

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as in modern

being or involving the latest methods, concepts, information, or styles new techniques in plastic surgery

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new

2 of 2

adverb

as in newly

not long ago new-mown grass

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective new differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of new are fresh, novel, and original. While all these words mean "having recently come into existence or use," 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 fresh be a good substitute for new?

While the synonyms fresh and new are close in meaning, fresh applies to what has not lost its qualities of newness such as liveliness, energy, brightness.

a fresh start

When might novel be a better fit than new?

The words novel and new 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

When is it sensible to use original instead of new?

In some situations, the words original and new are roughly equivalent. However, original applies to what is the first of its kind to exist.

a man without one original idea

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 new

Adjective

But the Erewhon at Palisades Village appears good as new. —

Joseph Bien-Kahn, Rolling Stone, 24 Jan. 2025 Every season, Netflix’s hit action-thriller The Night Agent introduces a new story and new characters around title character Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso), who has been accompanied so far by Luciane Buchanan’s Rose Larkin. —

Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 24 Jan. 2025 In fact, he’s become an unexpected new conservative cause celebre as a growing contingent of commentators take his side. —

Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Jan. 2025 Whether the Red Wings can keep this streak going hinges on Detroit’s ability to handle this early success under new coach Todd McLellan. —

Max Bultman, The Athletic, 13 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for new

Recent Examples of Synonyms for new

Adjective

Martinez plans to examine what happens in cities that use the alternative approach of deploying mental health professionals and peer counselors on crisis calls rather than armed police.

— Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2025
This requirement will force health care providers to either significantly modify their services or seek alternative funding sources, potentially creating gaps in essential health services in vulnerable communities.

— Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 26 Jan. 2025