new 1 of 2

adjective

ˈnü How to pronounce new (audio)
Definition of newnext
1
as in novel
not known or experienced before Spanish was a new course of study for her advances in optical technology allow us to observe new planets

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fresh
recently made and never used before that unique scent that comes with a new car

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in refreshed
made or become fresh in spirits or vigor a little rest made him a new man after the exhausting basketball game

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in modern
being or involving the latest methods, concepts, information, or styles new techniques in plastic surgery

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in alternative
taking the place of one that came before after my bike was stolen, my scooter became my new mode of transportation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

new

2 of 2

adverb

as in newly
not long ago new-mown grass

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective new differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of new are fresh, novel, and original. While all these words mean "having recently come into existence or use," 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 fresh be a good substitute for new?

While the synonyms fresh and new are close in meaning, fresh applies to what has not lost its qualities of newness such as liveliness, energy, brightness.

a fresh start

When might novel be a better fit than new?

The words novel and new 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

When is it sensible to use original instead of new?

In some situations, the words original and new are roughly equivalent. However, original applies to what is the first of its kind to exist.

a man without one original idea

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 new
Adjective
The choice, as Asli Pelit writes, reflects not only the show’s new storyline but also the sport’s changing reality. — Emily Olsen, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026 Georgia Southern University, known for its national champion football teams, has a new claim to worldwide fame — ticks by the truckload. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 11 Aug. 2026 Employee turnover is only a problem among California’s newest and youngest public safety officers. — Mariana Trujillo, Oc Register, 11 Aug. 2026 The move came after the appointment of Iran’s new national security chief, a veteran Revolutionary Guards commander who has previously voiced skepticism about talks with the US. — Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for new
Recent Examples of Synonyms for new
  1. novel
  2. fresh
  3. refreshed
  4. modern
  5. alternative
  6. newly
  7. unfamiliar
  8. brand-new
Adjective
  • The novel delves into the war experience of Palestinian women.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Researchers in South Korea have recently developed a novel 3D printing method that allows soft actuators made from a single material to stretch or contract when exposed to heat.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of novel
Adjective
  • That choice was to keep him fresh for the more important league game on the weekend.
    — Thom Harris, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Apart from the cleanup, the Kallimarmaro is also getting a new track, upgraded lighting and fresh support facilities.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of fresh
Adjective
  • Now in their second generation, the Bose QC Headphones have received a refreshed industrial design with new and modern styling.
    — Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The refreshed schedule on Love’s page shows 11 concerts slated for this fall or next year.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 23 July 2026
Definition of refreshed
Adjective
  • The cut is a modern textured crop featuring a forward flow and frosted tips.
    — Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Few eclipses in modern times have combined such exceptional duration, reliable weather and globally significant cultural landmarks along the path of totality.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of modern
Adjective
  • One of the alternative routes would reduce the project’s footprint in the Anza-Borrego Desert by about nine miles, and go through the community of Borrego Springs instead.
    — Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The shift toward alternative responses for these types of incidents is meaningful, new data shows.
    — Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of alternative
Adverb
  • Hassan was newly back from a tour in Iraq with the Air Force, flying helicopters and C-130s.
    — Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
  • SpaceX — Elon Musk's rocket company gained 12% a day after key insider lock-up provisions expired and investors snapped up newly available shares.
    — Ananya Chetia, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of newly
Adjective
  • People interested in donating should visit the organizations' official websites directly rather than relying on donation links circulating through unfamiliar social media accounts or messages.
    — Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • But a cleaner screen isn’t necessarily a more usable one if customers have to hunt for important functions, decipher unfamiliar icons or struggle to understand what the product is doing.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of unfamiliar
Adjective
  • No matter what, this brand-new defense couldn’t have asked for a better debut, though several questions still need to be answered.
    — Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Imagine booking a ticket on one of Europe’s premier airlines, stepping onto a brand-new, ultra-modern Airbus A350, and walking past 34 of the grandest business-class suites in the sky — only to be told no one is allowed to sit in them.
    — Edward Russell, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of brand-new

Phrases Containing new

Browse Nearby Words

nevertheless
new
new age
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Cite this Entry

“New.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/new. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on new

Nglish: Translation of new for Spanish Speakers

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