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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
In 2020, due to COVID, the original location closed. Jayla Webb, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 June 2025 Key ‘Ohana plays original and traditional Hawaiian music. Sarah Z. Sleeper, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
Noun
Following the album announcement, Sheard designed four iterations of the sash, aiming to create a replica as precise as the original. Ruth Etiesit Samuel, Essence, 4 June 2025 Returning cast members from the 1996 original include Bowen, McDonald and Ben Stiller, plus newcomers such as Bad Bunny, Travis Kelce, Margaret Qualley, Benny Safdie and Sandler’s daughters Sadie and Sunny. Pat Saperstein, Variety, 1 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for original
Recent Examples of Synonyms for original
Adjective
  • For Russia, this began soon after its initial invasion failed to seize control of Kyiv and Ukraine’s government.
    Scott Montgomery, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Huerta, 58, had been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles since Friday and made his initial appearance in federal court Monday afternoon.
    Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • This analysis of an innovative AI breakthrough is part of my ongoing Forbes column coverage on the latest in AI, including identifying and explaining various impactful AI complexities (see the link here).
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • As an actor, he's worked with many of the most innovative filmmakers in the U.S., including Quentin Tarantino (Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction), Joel and Ethan Coen (Fargo, The Big Lebowski), Jim Jarmusch (Mystery Train, The Dead Don't Die), and Abel Ferrara (King of New York), among many others.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • As a result, there’s a large and growing demand for novel solutions.
    Dr. Jonathan Reichental, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • Finally, with homicides soaring to record levels, exasperated authorities pivoted to a novel strategy: Mexico filed a $10-billion suit in U.S. federal court seeking to have Smith & Wesson and other signature manufacturers held accountable for the country’s epidemic of shooting deaths.
    Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2025
Noun
  • Kipyegon first tested concepts at the Nike research lab in Oregon and the team then sent her home with prototypes.
    Tim Newcomb, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
  • In 1994, Birkin sold the prototype at an auction for Association Solidarité Sida, a French AIDS charity.
    Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 June 2025
Noun
  • There are dozens upon dozens of memorable eccentrics, delusional antiheroes, blustery authority figures, sad sacks, screw-ups and all-too-lovable schmucks that populate the 12 feature films and handful of shorts directed by Wes Anderson.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 May 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • Gymshark, known for its activewear and fitness community, recently established its first permanent U.S. flagship in New York.
    Brin Snelling, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • This is such a pivotal New York City song that Lorne Michaels asked Simon to sing it on the first SNL after 9/11.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • Alongside Teyana’s chart-topping hits the singer, songwriter, creative director, and artist regularly appears for press moments in memorable ensembles.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 6 June 2025
  • The result was a team that successfully blocked the hosts almost all of the match but also failed to be creative and aggressive in offense, a flaw also under Ancelotti’s predecessors.
    Mauricio Savarese, Baltimore Sun, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • Over at Brooks’s, Shai comes over and teaches him how to use his new sewing machine, which is a fascinating dynamic because Shai is an agent’s assistant while Brooks is a clothing designer.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 18 June 2025
  • The live show should tide your kids over until then—and there are also new videos released on YouTube every week.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 17 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Original.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/original. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.

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