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

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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

The flow of money from Qatar into Gaza has taken on new significance since October 7, 2023, when Hamas terrorists stormed southern Israel, murdered some 1,200 people, and took 251 more hostage. — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 18 Oct. 2026 This replacement programme hopes to see all six new SSNs done and dusted by 2030. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026 The Ducks have sold out Honda Center for the first four games of a new season for the first time since 2007, when the team was coming off its lone Stanley Cup title. — Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026 Hard Rock Bet is giving new users a chance to bet $5+ on their first wager. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for new

Recent Examples of Synonyms for new

Adjective

Massive novel diversity Resting up to 6,000 meters (19,700 feet) deep in the Pacific Ocean between Mexico and Hawaii, the Clarion-Clipperton Zone is strewn with millions of potato-sized metallic rocks.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2026
The critics already called the novel postcolonial and feminist.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of novel

Adjective

Meanwhile, Kansas City is also getting a major boost from running back Kenneth Walker III, who signed with the team before the season fresh off winning the Super Bowl MVP award with the Seattle Seahawks.

— Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 19 Oct. 2026
Readers rave about the flavorful combination of fresh apples, plump, juicy raisins, and cinnamon.

— Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of fresh

Adjective

Perfect Road, a documentary from Danish directors and cousins Adam and Christian Bonke, follows him on an extreme journey through some of Europe’s highest mountain passes, while also providing a meditation on modern life and character study.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2026
Although driver engagement has long been central to the 911 experience, the realities of modern automotive development are making manual transmissions a rare commodity.

— Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of modern

Adjective

This is where alternative funding solutions like invoice factoring and invoice financing may be able to better serve a business’s needs.

— Andrew Coon, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026
China drew on strategic reserves, alternative pipeline imports, and fuel switching.

— Dr. Sarah Kapnick, semafor.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of alternative

Adverb

Watch for a new or unexplained lump in the breast or armpit, ongoing breast pain unrelated to the menstrual cycle, skin dimpling or redness, a newly inverted nipple or unexpected discharge and swelling in the lymph nodes near the arm or collarbone.

— Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026
Get urgent medical attention for a newly swollen eye during a sinus infection.

— Angela Haupt, Time, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of newly

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“New.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/new. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of new

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