NOVEL Synonyms: 101 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of novel are fresh , new , and original . While all these words mean "having recently come into existence or use," novel applies to what is not only new but strange or unprecedented. // a novel approach to the problem

Q: When could 'fresh' be used to replace 'novel'?

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

Q: In what contexts can 'new' take the place of 'novel'?

Although the words new and novel have much in common, 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 might 'original' be a better fit than 'novel'?

The meanings of original and novel largely overlap; however, original applies to what is the first of its kind to exist. // a man without one original idea

novel 1 of 2

noun

Definition of novel next

as in narrative

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in novelette

Synonyms & Similar Words

novel

2 of 2

adjective

ˈnä-vəl

as in new

not known or experienced before that's a novel idea for a TV series

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective novel differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of novel are fresh, new, and original. While all these words mean "having recently come into existence or use," novel applies to what is not only new but strange or unprecedented.

a novel approach to the problem

When could fresh be used to replace novel?

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

a fresh start

In what contexts can new take the place of novel?

Although the words new and novel have much in common, 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 might original be a better fit than novel?

The meanings of original and novel largely overlap; 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 novel

Noun

Originally launched in 2023 as a digital-only publisher, Cross' novel is the inaugural print publication for 8th Note Press, coming on the heels of their 2024 expansion with Zando Projects. —

Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 8 Feb. 2025 Criminally overlooked, this adaptation makes bold, meaningful choices that set it apart, including casting James Howson as Heathcliff, the first Black actor to play the role on screen, highlighting the novel’s themes of race and class. —

Janey Tracey, EW.com, 7 Feb. 2025

Adjective

The novel part here is the agentic structure that holds it all together and allows an AI language model to autonomously complete a research task. —

John Timmer, Ars Technica, 5 Feb. 2025 The mice received three doses of this novel treatment. —

New Atlas, 5 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for novel

Recent Examples of Synonyms for novel

Noun

For most of human history, music and narrative have been experienced — chiefly — in communal contexts.

— Jed Brewer, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2025
During the production of the film, my schizophrenic uncle died, and this directly influenced the film’s narrative and its whole development.

— Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Feb. 2025