NEW Synonyms: 211 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of new are fresh , novel , and original . While all these words mean "having recently come into existence or use," 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 'fresh' be a good substitute for 'new'?

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

Q: When might 'novel' be a better fit than 'new'?

The words novel and new 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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'original' instead of 'new'?

In some situations, the words original and new are roughly equivalent. However, original applies to what is the first of its kind to exist. // a man without one original idea

new 1 of 2

adjective

ˈnü

Definition of new next

as in alternative

taking the place of one that came before after my bike was stolen, my scooter became my new mode of transportation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in novel

not known or experienced before Spanish was a new course of study for her advances in optical technology allow us to observe new planets

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as in fresh

recently made and never used before that unique scent that comes with a new car

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as in refreshed

made or become fresh in spirits or vigor a little rest made him a new man after the exhausting basketball game

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as in modern

being or involving the latest methods, concepts, information, or styles new techniques in plastic surgery

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new

2 of 2

adverb

as in newly

not long ago new-mown grass

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective new differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of new are fresh, novel, and original. While all these words mean "having recently come into existence or use," 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 fresh be a good substitute for new?

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

a fresh start

When might novel be a better fit than new?

The words novel and new 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

When is it sensible to use original instead of new?

In some situations, the words original and new are roughly equivalent. 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 new

Adjective

A day after making some progress containing the Eaton fires and protecting Brentwood and Encino from the Palisades fire, firefighters across Los Angeles County were bracing for another round of powerful winds that could threaten new communities and hamper efforts to contain the firestorms. —

Andrea Chang, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025 While Lilibet’s princess phase might be new, her actual title isn’t. —

Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 12 Jan. 2025 Like the wood chairs and brown sofa, the sage green accents incorporated through the bold pattern on the window treatments warm up the room and introduce a new layer of color. —

Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Jan. 2025 Inside, however, nothing original had been left in place and everything was new. —

Ulrich Clewing, Architectural Digest, 12 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for new

Recent Examples of Synonyms for new

Adjective

But the use of alternative data made possible by open banking holds promise for extending credit well beyond mortgages, whether that’s in the form of auto loans or even via credit cards.

— Jess Turner, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
By the numbers: While the media conversation for this election centered on alternative media — like podcasters, TikTokers and streamers — supplanting traditional information sources, mainstream digital and cable outlets still grew their footprints in 2024.

— Neal Rothschild, Axios, 14 Jan. 2025