ORIGINAL Synonyms: 158 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

original 1 of 2

adjective

ə-ˈri-jə-nᵊl

Definition of original next

as in initial

coming before all others in time or order the original plan had to be discarded when the situation changed drastically

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in innovative

having the skill and imagination to create new things an original artist who wanted his paintings to convey his emotional responses to the people, objects, and landscapes he painted

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as in novel

not known or experienced before separate categories for original and adapted screenplays

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original

2 of 2

noun

as in prototype

something from which copies are made please make copies to hand out, but keep the original

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as in eccentric

a person of odd or whimsical habits the town's singing mailman is an original, all right

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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

Their original proposal called for the district to fill nearly 14,000 new positions. —

Ikram Mohamed, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2025 Almost Friday has also sold unscripted series to both Netflix and Hulu, and an original movie to Hulu. —

Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 6 Feb. 2025

Noun

When writer-director Leigh Whannell's modern reimagining of The Invisible Man hit theaters in February 2020, the horror-thriller was hailed as a worthy remake that cleverly flipped the script of the 1933 Universal original to serve as an analogy for the perils of gaslighting and domestic abuse. —

Megan McCluskey, TIME, 17 Jan. 2025 Den of Thieves 2: Pantera instead turns out to be an ideal action vehicle for the always watchable and rugged Butler, and a worthy enough sequel to an original that wasn’t all that original to begin with. —

Pete Hammond, Deadline, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for original

Recent Examples of Synonyms for original

Adjective

This initial impulse or élan vital is then guided by the fairies Mrs. Bedonebyasyoudid and her sister, Mrs. Doasyouwouldbedoneby.

— Ben Woollard, JSTOR Daily, 29 Jan. 2025
The initial report from the Senior Bowl is also derived from the in-person meetings that players are allowed to have with teams.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Jan. 2025