NEW Synonyms: 211 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

new 1 of 2

adjective

ˈnü

Definition of new

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

as in fresh

recently made and never used before that unique scent that comes with a new car

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

as in modern

being or involving the latest methods, concepts, information, or styles new techniques in plastic surgery

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

When glamour replaced natural as the look of choice, hair—and its power to call attention, decorate, and define—gained new potency. — Vanessa Friedman, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026 Take advantage of Amazon’s end-of-season steals and treat yourself to a new garden kneeler and gardening tool set. — Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026 Additionally, four new precincts have been created, though voters in each new precinct will continue to vote at the same polling location tied to their old precinct, Dickens said. — Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 1 Sep. 2026 Gen, forgetting her swollen wrist, perks up at the thought of having a new person to ruin sheets with. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for new

Recent Examples of Synonyms for new

Adjective

There was nothing particularly novel about the show’s premise, but the scripts were refreshingly dense with jokes, prioritizing laughs over contrived drama or seasonlong relationship arcs.

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Expect to discover many novel flavors of Brazil—butiá, cajú, cumaru—worked into the menu in unique ways.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of novel

Adjective

Think bright citrus, fresh herbs, seasonal fruit and plenty of bubbles.

— Emily Price, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Blood Similar to cleaning urine stains, if the blood on your mattress is fresh, then start the process by soaking up excess liquid with a paper towel before cleaning the area.

— Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of fresh

Adjective

Users reported problems with Outlook, while OpenAI said users may experience problems starting or continuing tasks in ChatGPT Work, temporarily disabling two of the modern office's favorite methods of assigning more work.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
Drew This gender-neutral name is inspired by former Saints quarterback Drew Brees, considered one of the best signal-callers of the modern era.

— Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of modern

Adjective

Some insurance and travel companies still depend on MTurk for data workers, and are now scrambling to find alternative platforms, Pawloski said.

— Annie Palmer, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
Guidance includes carrying ample water and supplies, checking road and weather conditions in advance and taking an alternative means of communication, such as a satellite communicator or emergency beacon.

— Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of alternative

Adjective

Genesys Production is already underway at Hyundai Motor Group's brand-new, dedicated Ulsan EV facility in South Korea.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
The old east bleacher seats were available last season to go with brand-new chair-back seats on the west and north sides.

— Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of brand-new

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“New.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/new. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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