1
as in novelty
the quality or appeal of being new
the originality of the war memorial sparked a heated controversy, as most people had been expecting something more traditional
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in creativity
the skill and imagination to create new things
a poet of great originality, she brought a whole new range of subject matter and imagery to poetry
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in imagination
the ability to form mental images of things that either are not physically present or have never been conceived or created by others
a graphic novel that shows a lot of originality on the part of its creator
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 originality
The good news is that consumers crave connections with brands that bring authenticity and originality.
—
Nick Leighton, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
The only real originality in the accounts of Jesus’ virgin birth is their distinctly Jewish and prudish tone, with the impregnation dignified and at arm’s length rather than represented, as in the Hellenistic myths, as a shower of gold or the lovemaking of an amorous swan.
—Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 24 Mar. 2025
Perky-Pet Pineapple Top-Fill Hummingbird Feeder This pineapple hummingbird feeder scores major points for originality, not only for its shape but its top-filling design as well.
—Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Mar. 2025
This includes music that, through its creativity and originality, significantly enriches the narrative and atmosphere of movies, series, documentaries, video games, and other visual media, elevating the viewer’s experience.
—Thania Garcia, Variety, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for originality
Nick Leighton, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
The only real originality in the accounts of Jesus’ virgin birth is their distinctly Jewish and prudish tone, with the impregnation dignified and at arm’s length rather than represented, as in the Hellenistic myths, as a shower of gold or the lovemaking of an amorous swan.
—Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 24 Mar. 2025
Perky-Pet Pineapple Top-Fill Hummingbird Feeder This pineapple hummingbird feeder scores major points for originality, not only for its shape but its top-filling design as well.
—Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Mar. 2025
This includes music that, through its creativity and originality, significantly enriches the narrative and atmosphere of movies, series, documentaries, video games, and other visual media, elevating the viewer’s experience.
—Thania Garcia, Variety, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for originality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for originality
Noun
-
Many novelty ice trays have unique shapes such as hearts, cats and stars to delight any dinner party guest.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
4 Apr. 2025
-
The retail chain sells a variety of trendy clothing, accessories, gag gifts and knick-knacks, including novelty T-shirts, hats, backpacks and body jewelry.—
Camila Pedrosa,
Sacbee.com,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The show, which has popped up around Chicago and Evanston regularly since August, offers a safe space for performers and a reminder to audiences of the power of creativity.—
Jennifer Day,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Mar. 2025
-
There’s an undeniable surge of creativity and innovation in next-generation media outlets that are squarely targeting Black audiences.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
28 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Listen to this article Starting a new theater company during this perilous time for arts funding takes guts, imagination and talent.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Of course, assembling a team to challenge in the Premier League is extremely difficult but there was a lack of imagination in their recruitment and some theoretically key arrivals (Aaron Ramsdale, for example) came in at the last minute.—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
There are countless examples of Black ingenuity and cultural impact that have gone under-recognized—or intentionally obscured—as part of this country’s history, but Julian Francis Abele was a hidden figure somewhat by design.—
Evan Nicole Brown,
Architectural Digest,
1 Apr. 2025
-
Such as participating in games that required social skills mixed in with ingenuity, sprinkled with a dose of luck.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
1 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The budding talent had turned in the finest start of his big-league career to date Saturday, taming the Philadelphia Phillies in a raucous ballpark.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2025
-
Director Roshan Sethi and all the talent have been fantastic.—
Matt Minton,
Variety,
6 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Originality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/originality. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share