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

Examples 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

As with the movie, the novel has since dominated trending topics on domestic social media. —

Chris Morris, Fortune Asia, 6 Dec. 2024 The latest wave of speakers set to share stories about their careers and lives includes Erivo, who plays Elphaba opposite Ariana Grande as Glinda in Wicked, which is based on the best-selling novel by Gregory Maguire and tells the backstory of the witches of Oz. —

Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Dec. 2024

Adjective

Its ingenious design has a novel pole configuration that provides more vertical space (which is always extremely valuable real estate). —

Drew Zieff, Outside Online, 27 Nov. 2024 Travel was limited in an era where the steamboat was the novel invention, but Americans embarked on foot, horseback, and coach for the opportunity to see the French hero. —

Elizabeth M. Reese / Made By History, TIME, 26 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for novel

Recent Examples of Synonyms for novel

Noun

Now, a similar narrative is building once again, this time for her supporting turn in the August Wilson adaptation of The Piano Lesson, for which she’s earned standout critical praise for her arresting performance.

Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 9 Dec. 2024
By changing the narrative around this type of technology, and focusing on deploying training equitably, leaders can help ensure their employees feel confident and empowered to leverage these tools to drive solutions that are innovative and meet the needs of their customers.

Bill Pappas, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024