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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
With the new version, the brand didn’t sacrifice an ounce of the buttery softness that made the originals best-sellers. Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2025 According to reports, the Sky Max Now series will be produced by Lorne Michaels’s Broadway Video and feature the same rotating host and musical-guest format as the American original. Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for original
Recent Examples of Synonyms for original
Adjective
  • Four out of the five former Biden White House officials tapped for congressional interviews have made initial contact with the committee via their lawyers since the chairman sent his letters on May 22, a source familiar with the panel’s work told the Washington Examiner.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 29 May 2025
  • And ask how often do their patients need red-reduce surgery, or revision surgery, after the initial surgery.
    Carlos Wolf, Miami Herald, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • Achieve flawless curls or a pin-straight blowout with the innovative tool.
    Náosha Gregg, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
  • Mat Franco – Season 9 Mat Franco made history by becoming the first magician to win the competition, thrilling audiences with his innovative sleight-of-hand tricks and engaging storytelling.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • Which is a very novel concept, because most things are incubated in the States or maybe overseas in the U.K.
    H. Alan Scott, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
  • These changes are creating novel military and geopolitical challenges for Beijing, thereby reinforcing China’s doubts about the potential success of aggression.
    ELY RATNER, Foreign Affairs, 27 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
  • To take her mind off him, Agathe meets an Austen-like family of eccentrics running the retreat and the sometimes pretentious writers attending it.
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 22 May 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • Neither was the British version of The Office, which launched in 2001, though that was among the first television series to run with it.
    Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 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
  • In the next town over, White Stone’s Chesapeake Doughnut Co. also serves Blanchard’s coffee, along with classic and creative doughnut flavors and tasty sandwiches on homemade biscuits or buns made from doughnut dough.
    Simon Davidson, Travel + Leisure, 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 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
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Original.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/original. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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