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Definition of originalnext
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original

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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

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
Markus is an original cast member of this tour and made both his Broadway and national tour debuts playing the roles of MJ and Michael in this musical. Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2026 Insiders close to the show say Deadwyler and Patel will be playing new original characters in the series. Justin Kroll, Deadline, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
On the back of helping produce originals for Hollywood, Canadian animation and VFX artists and studios can now provide the type of high-end TV shows and blockbuster movies consumers have come to expect, and without the sky high budgets that major studios and streamers want to tame. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 26 Mar. 2026 The flavor lineup has expanded well beyond the original. Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for original
Recent Examples of Synonyms for original
Adjective
  • The initial rally happened on June 14, a week after the uptick in immigration enforcement operations in LA County.
    Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
  • At the time of the initial gun battle, the MacEgans were on an afternoon walk through a nearby field.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • There’s a fierce competition in the Italian capital to see who can open the most beautiful, most original, most innovative, and most locally authentic hotel.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Their broader vision has been to create something that feels more intentional than a traditional brokerage model, pairing local expertise with innovative strategy while keeping client interests at the center of the process.
    Connie Etemadi, AZCentral.com, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • But police use of the novel technology has attracted criticism – and it’s been linked to other cases of misidentification.
    Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2026
  • The first is curiosity — the drive to generate novel questions, not just process existing ones.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • While major automakers have tested the technology for years, most efforts have remained at the prototype stage.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 1 Apr. 2026
  • What to Know Smart glasses are no longer niche prototypes—the devices have become a multibillion-dollar industry, with models typically priced between $270 and more than $1,000 depending on features and brand.
    Thomas Westerholm, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Kevin MacEgan said his father’s honor, wisdom, kindness and character will serve as his lasting legacy.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 26 Mar. 2026
  • The deal gave Disney a large equity stake and called for the creation of an entirely new digital universe built around Disney characters and stories, where users could engage in immersive entertainment and shopping.
    Tristan Bove, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Ace right-hander Jacob deGrom, making his first start of the season after being scratched Saturday with a neck injury, cruised through the first four innings and almost made if out of the fifth, but Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson hit a two-run double to tie the game at 3.
    Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Yet this is part of a trend that’s defined the Knicks’ first season under Brown, one that also predated Brown’s arrival as a through-line over the course of last season’s playoff run.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Campspot highlighted the ranch’s creative accommodations and its many one-of-a-kind outdoor experiences including its ranch wagon accommodations, horse feeding and pet friendly cabins.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 26 Mar. 2026
  • There is no doubt that new generations of creative individuals are already emerging—ready to carry that tradition forward.
    Norman Foster, Artforum, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Carson Benge homered in his first career game, going back-to-back with Francisco Alvarez at the bottom of a new-look lineup, and Freddy Peralta (1-0) won his Mets debut as New York improved to 42-23 on opening day before a sellout crowd of 41,449.
    CBS News, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The Brewers are looking to the Blue Springs native to be their new ace and lead them back to the National League Championship Series, and maybe even further.
    PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Original.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/original. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

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