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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

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
Finally, the researchers did another version of the original test but used imaginary grapes instead of juice, with similar results. Evan Bush, NBC news, 5 Feb. 2026 Of course, there was a specific reason that Charli—who did all the original music for the film—and her stylist, Chris Horan, veered so bridal. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
This winter, bartenders at every Dante address (from the original on Macdougal Street, to its residency in Claridge’s in London) are slinging the Cranberry Spritz, which combines cranberry juice and Perrier-Jouët champagne with a housemade cranberry syrup spiced with cardamom and vanilla. Chadner Navarro, Vogue, 10 Feb. 2026 Plonk Another Montana original with a decidedly coastal California feel, Plonk is a wine bar that also specializes in creative cocktails and unexpected small plates and mains such as crab rangoon with kimchi and duck confit ravioli. Brad Japhe, Travel + Leisure, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for original
Recent Examples of Synonyms for original
Adjective
  • The initial indictment filed in November accused Clase of rigging pitches in specific games between May 2023 and June 2025.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026
  • The model presented was the Changan Nevo A06, also known as the Qiyuan A06, which serves as the initial platform for the new battery technology.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The innovative idea also focuses on reducing operational costs, minimizing the requirement for buying expensive land to build data centers.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Planeta and his team work on local, national, and international residential, corporate, mixed-use, and retail design projects, approaching each with a commitment to finding innovative solutions to its clients’ needs.
    Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • This is clearly not possible considering the importance of safety concerns associated with nuclear reactors, particularly new and novel designs.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
  • This cream wide-leg pair features dark green splatters that resemble an abstract leopard print, making a classic navy blazer and cream sweater suddenly appear novel.
    Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 6 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • An international research collaboration co-led by UCLA has developed a nickel-iron battery prototype that recharges in seconds and maintains its performance for over 12,000 cycles.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Rivian has unveiled a prototype of its upcoming $45,000 electric SUV, the R2, which company officials say will be crucial to its long-term future as a viable automaker.
    Keith Laing, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The renegade baseball general manager in Moneyball, for instance, was later played by Brad Pitt, while the characters in The Big Short were portrayed by Christian Bale, Ryan Gosling, Steve Carell, and Pitt again, among others.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The space’s custom art was created by Amazonian artist Winny Tapajós, portraying a mischievous garden scene full of whimsical characters.
    Devorah Lev-Tov, Robb Report, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • In August 2025, a 1,063-square-foot home on the first block of South Claremont Avenue in San Jose sold for $915,000, a price per square foot of $861.
    Unitedrobotsrealestate, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Food preferences begin in the first years of life, so the findings of the study are alarming, said Jane Houlihan, research director for Healthy Babies, Bright Futures, an alliance of nonprofits, scientists and donors with a mission of reducing babies’ exposures to neurotoxic chemicals.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The bear that rips the plastic bass to shreds is AI-generated, said Nathan Monteith, the executive creative director at Highdive.
    Liam Rappleye, USA Today, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Be creative, entrepreneurial and open to new experiences and professional networks while continuing to clarify your interests, purpose, and goals.
    Micki Meyer, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • This work offers a new platform for designing efficient photo-electrocatalysts and advancing next-generation solar–electrochemical energy conversion systems.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase faced additional allegations of rigging pitches to benefit bettors in a new document filed on Thursday.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Original.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/original. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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