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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
His father, Horace Byrd Jenkins III—an Emmy Award winner for his work as an original producer on Sesame Street—moved to Harlem shortly thereafter, while Jenkins, his mother Monart, and his sister ended up in Astoria, Queens. Walden Green, Pitchfork, 25 May 2025 The exhibition also includes original sculptural models (maquettes), drawings, and letters from Michelangelo’s own hand. Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
Noun
The sequels have kind of lost the thread, but the original is still incredibly powerful. Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 7 May 2025 While Page wrote new lyrics to the song, the main instrumental melody — especially the famous descending riff — remained largely similar to Holmes’ original. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for original
Recent Examples of Synonyms for original
Adjective
  • Biden's attorney jumped in to clarify that Hur's team had asked a speculative question that did not reflect Biden's initial answer.
    Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 18 May 2025
  • The initial development agreement for the town center was approved back in 2006, long before the project had a conceptual site plan.
    James Wilkins, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • For entrepreneurial parents and innovative educators, this may be a frontier worth exploring.
    Dan Fitzpatrick, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
  • Nearly every dish at Uma Roma, an innovative new restaurant, is dedicated to a single ingredient.
    Seth Sherwood, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • This novel approach to reducing friction helps high-end movements' precision, durability, and efficiency.
    Garth Friesen, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • In November -- Cannes Market One of the most iconic action heroes in U.S. cinema, the character was created by David Morell in his novel First Blood.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • Google’s Project Mariner technology, which the company announced as a research prototype last year, will be able to accomplish certain tasks on a person’s behalf and answer questions that usually require multiple steps, the company claims.
    Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 20 May 2025
  • Real Ice hopes to test a prototype this year, says co-CEO Andrea Ceccolini, an Italian computer scientist and investor who joined the company in 2022.
    Alec Luhn, Scientific American, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • But the settlers’ belief in the value of public goods and embrace of independent thinkers remain woven into the character of the city, which continues to attract artists, eccentrics and writers.
    Isabelle Taft, New York Times, 4 May 2025
  • Robert Redford delivers folksy wisdom as a local eccentric who once had his own dragon encounter, and even Karl Urban’s greedy logger is more of a nuisance than an outright villain.
    Josh Bell, Vulture, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Slaw Dog took home first place Slaw Dog took home first place.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 25 May 2025
  • Christian Walker dressed, dwelled and debriefed there for the first 49 games of his Astros tenure.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • Some of New York City’s most beloved spots are honoring the season with creative and beautiful summer salads.
    Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
  • The 1980 death of vocalist Bon Scott due to alcohol poisoning, coupled with a creative and commercial freefall during the Reagan era, seemingly prepared AC/DC to handle other setbacks.
    Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • The series invites young adventurers to explore the joys and challenges of moving to new places, meeting new people, discovering different cultures and building lasting friendships.
    Deb Harvell, Arkansas Online, 25 May 2025
  • The webcast is available on its website and on social media platform X. Coverage will also be available on SpaceX's new X TV app.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 25 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Original.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/original. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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