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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in novel

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

The games are ultimately replacing original network programming, meaning creatives will get fewer shots to reach audiences on broadcast TV. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2026 Tim Federle is directing from a script by Robin Schiff, who penned the original 1997 film. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2026

Noun

The indictment also alleges F-9 broke into the National Alliance’s West Virginia headquarters in 2014, stole approximately 25 boxes of records, brought them to North Carolina to be copied, and then returned the originals. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 12 Aug. 2026 Creative leader Robbie Brenner and CEO Ynon Kreiz surely want to replicate the success of the original. — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for original

Recent Examples of Synonyms for original

Adjective

This follows an initial €46 million bid also being turned down, despite Rodri agreeing to join the Catalans.

— Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
An initial compensation of 1 million baht (about $30,166) has been approved for six of the deceased victims, the statement said.

— Kocha Olarn, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of initial

Adjective

The 51 projects — 40 features, six series, and five innovative or immersive works — all looking for production and financing partners, will be presented at the inaugural TIFF industry market.

— Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 10 Aug. 2026
The Market, which runs September 10-16, will launch 51 projects – 40 features, six series and five innovative or immersive works – that are all looking for production and financing partners.

— Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of innovative

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

Noun

That study proved that the concept was possible, but the prototype had some serious limitations, mainly efficiency-related.

— Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 9 Aug. 2026
There is also a prototype pair of red Valentino Garavani Rockstud pumps identical to those worn by Streep in the film’s trailer.

— Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of prototype

Noun

What sprang up there was this soulless bowl, totally lacking in the character and atmosphere of the club’s old Elm Park home.

— Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
My issue isn’t with the fact the show is suddenly adding characters who aren’t in the book but with the whiplash from the dramatic vibe shift.

— Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of character

Adjective

Also, after the first round, each mini-game has a separate metagame, where one or more players have a secret goal to meet without getting caught.

— Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026
The sentences at the Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus are the first against Assad or members of his inner circle since the Assad family’s five decades in power came to an end 20 months ago.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of first

Adjective

The creative team also includes Alex Lacamoire on music supervision and orchestrations, David Korins on scenic design, Gregg Barnes and Sky Switser on costume design, Natasha Katz on lighting design and Peter Hylenski on sound design.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
As the perfumery acknowledges, these collaborations allow the brand to gain exposure in other creative spheres while also creating a product that is reflective of both specialties.

— Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of creative

Adjective

Balancing privacy and publicity isn’t new, says Alice Marshall, who runs her own public relations agency handling luxury travel clients.

— Doug Gollan, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
After years of slow progress, a new development in in a Colorado town is finally close to getting the green light.

— Olivia Young, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of new

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originality

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Style

“Original.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/original. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of original

adjective

noun

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