ORIGINAL Synonyms: 162 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

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in novel

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in character

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Here, the material can be charged earlier by light or another energy source, stored in the dark, and then used later to power a chemical reaction after the original energy input has been expended. — New Atlas, 3 July 2026 All that to say, a glass of rye whiskey, one of the oldest drinks in America and the original base of many of our earliest cocktails like Manhattans and Old Fashioneds, is an easy way to honor the scrappy American spirit. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 4 July 2026

Noun

Emilia Widstrand is now in charge of Prime Video Nordics originals, having replaced Karin Lindström. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 1 July 2026 Released at Watches and Wonders in April, the latest iteration retains the original’s 39 mm steel case, but has a few important technical and aesthetic upgrades. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 4 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

Definition of initial

Adjective

Inspired by the effects of microneedling, natural Dermal Micro-points innovative collagen-boosting gel formula mimics some of the benefits of the procedure, without the needles.

— ABC News, ABC News, 6 July 2026
But over the last year, there’s been more interest in its innovative possibilities.

— Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 6 July 2026

Definition of innovative

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

Definition of novel

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

Definition of prototype

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

Definition of character

Adjective

The Kings led 28-22 at the end of the first quarter and carried a 55-48 advantage into the halftime break.

— Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026
Tehran has paused fragile negotiations with the US aimed at reaching a lasting deal to end their conflict during the multi-day funeral for Khamenei, who was killed in a US-Israeli strike in February, on the first day of the war.

— Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 7 July 2026

Definition of first

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

Definition of creative

Adjective

Buckhead Heritage, a historic preservation organization, will make a historic building its new headquarters after reaching an agreement with Atlanta Public Schools.

— Carson Bonner, AJC.com, 7 July 2026
The airlines haven’t yet announced what their new, combined frequent flyer program will look like, however.

— Zach Wichter, USA Today, 7 July 2026

Definition of new

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Style

“Original.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/original. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of original

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noun

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