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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
The original soundtrack is by Bill Ryder Jones and casting by Ollie Gilbert & Katy Covell. K.j. Yossman, Variety, 3 July 2026 In addition to Groom’s original downtown Eureka brewery and cafe, Lost Coast Brewery now includes a 75,000-square-foot facility that can fill 1,400 kegs per day. Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Noun
Most of the statue was melted down and reformed into musket balls, and several of these are on display in the opening section of the show across from four large intact pieces of the original. Cat Dawson, ARTnews.com, 3 July 2026 The same is true of the plaintext originals of files encrypted by EncryptPro. Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for original
Recent Examples of Synonyms for original
Adjective
  • Since its initial meeting of 27 college baseball coaches in June 1945, Association members have broadened to include NCAA Division I, II, and III, NAIA, NJCAA, Pacific Association Division, High School, Youth and Travel.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
  • Balogun matched Landon Donovan in 2010 for the second-most goals by an American in a World Cup, behind only Bert Patenaude's four in the initial tournament in 1930.
    CBS News, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • The Bay is an innovative redevelopment project that's created a signature public park along Sarasota Bay.
    Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • The NACo Achievement Awards recognize innovative county programs that improve services for residents, upgrade working conditions or enhance public participation.
    Howard County Times, Baltimore Sun, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • And in a novel twist, there will be a ball drop in New York City’s Times Square at midnight to usher in the July Fourth holiday with much the same revelry that is typically reserved for New Year’s Eve.
    Steven Sloan, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Fast, generalized defenses reduce exposure early, while slower, specialized mechanisms deliver precision when the threat is novel, persistent or evasive.
    Abhik Biswas, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • Refine a portfolio piece, build a small prototype, or share a draft with someone who gives honest notes.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 5 July 2026
  • Sketches were drawn, 3D masks printed and footballs blasted at a prototype sitting on a lifesize headform modelled on Kylian Mbappe’s face.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • There was a small card with a graphic that pictured Wiley walking in the middle of Bluey and Bingo, two characters from the show.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Her refusal to sugarcoat the interior and exterior lives of her characters, whether enslaved or traumatized by the past — by events in American history — was purposeful.
    Leigh Haber, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • Kimpton also always gets a guide on the first day of a trip to show her the sights.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • That came in the spring of 2025, about 11 months after his dad had been sacked as coach, when Pochettino, the new manager, gave the younger Berhalter his first national team call-up.
    Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • In her new memoir Famesick, Dunham wrote a message to Swift, saying much of the book's creative process was soundtracked by her music.
    Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
  • Their wedding ceremony looks were created by Christian Dior Haute Couture, designed by creative director Jonathan Anderson.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • Mask ban for law enforcement officers, criminal records sealing and tenant protections are among a host of new measures taking effect.
    Liam Bowman, Washington Post, 30 June 2026
  • In the videos, women share their transformations in which their post-divorce selves are often fitter, with clearer skin and a new wardrobe.
    Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 30 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Original.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/original. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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