ORIGINAL Synonyms: 158 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

original 1 of 2

adjective

ə-ˈri-jə-nᵊl

Definition of original next

as in initial

coming before all others in time or order the original plan had to be discarded when the situation changed drastically

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in innovative

having the skill and imagination to create new things an original artist who wanted his paintings to convey his emotional responses to the people, objects, and landscapes he painted

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as in novel

not known or experienced before separate categories for original and adapted screenplays

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original

2 of 2

noun

as in prototype

something from which copies are made please make copies to hand out, but keep the original

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as in eccentric

a person of odd or whimsical habits the town's singing mailman is an original, all right

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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

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 original

Adjective

The original series incorporated a lot of special effects, visual effects and stunts, which according to Krauss was not common for a multi-camera series geared towards children. —

Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 5 Nov. 2024 The recaps are currently available on Amazon MGM Studios original series, among them Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Upload, The Boys and The Wheel of Time. —

Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024

Noun

Rather, the Dune actor has been slinging her belongings—and her boyfriend Tom Holland’s new beverage line—into the new Neverfull Inside Out in black cowhide leather, which is decidedly more discreet than the original. —

Alice Newbold, Glamour, 1 Nov. 2024 Castle's tone here is more openly jocular than Whale's original, which chose a satirical approach over a parodic one. —

Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for original

Recent Examples of Synonyms for original

Adjective

On Thursday, the market will receive initial jobless claims data, offering a snapshot of the labor market’s health, along with the Producer Price Index (PPI) and core PPI data.

Vinamrata Chaturvedi, Quartz, 10 Nov. 2024
The trust would be funded in installments over several years, beginning with an initial installment of about $65 million and growing by $10 million to $13 million for the next several years.

Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024