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
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
  1. novel
  2. fresh
  3. refreshed
  4. modern
  5. alternative
  6. newly
  7. unfamiliar
  8. brand-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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Most of the time, people come with their pre-existing views and biases, repeat them out loud, close their minds to alternative perspectives, and go home even more sure of their ways.
    — Ben Bland, semafor.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Another is by directing government funds to further diversify exports away from China to alternative markets.
    — Chad P. Bown, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of alternative
Adverb
  • According to The Times, Menin wasn’t the only newly outspoken critic of the honoree.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2026
  • One study found that the percentage of women [ages 23 and 49] who were newly diagnosed with ADHD nearly doubled between 2020 and 2022.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of newly
Adjective
  • For bouquets, Wahlen recommends choosing one type of flower that has already been identified as non-toxic rather than an arrangement filled with unfamiliar stems and greenery, where a dangerous flower may be tucked among otherwise safe blooms.
    — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Nalewaja, who attended, said Matsui appeared unfamiliar with issues facing people living in the Sierra foothills.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of unfamiliar
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

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 5 Sep. 2026.

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