novel 1 of 2

noun

Definition of novelnext
1
as in narrative

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Dissimilar Words
2
as in novelette

Related Words

novel

2 of 2

adjective

ˈnä-vəl How to pronounce novel (audio)
as in new
not known or experienced before that's a novel idea for a TV series

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective novel differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of novel are fresh, new, and original. While all these words mean "having recently come into existence or use," novel applies to what is not only new but strange or unprecedented.

a novel approach to the problem

When could fresh be used to replace novel?

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

a fresh start

In what contexts can new take the place of novel?

Although the words new and novel have much in common, 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 might original be a better fit than novel?

The meanings of original and novel largely overlap; 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 novel
Noun
Ishiguro acknowledged that, since his novel came out in 2021, the world’s awareness and attitude about AI has changed greatly. — Alex Ritman, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026 Based on the romance novel of the same name, the streamer dropped the first trailer for the holiday romance Thursday morning. — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026
Adjective
Around the same time that Huxley unveiled the modern synthesis, Waddington presented a novel picture of how this might unfold. — Quanta Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026 In addition to rewards for moving at the right speed and in the right direction and penalties for things like wobbling or jerky movement, the team introduced a novel way to keep the hand in a crawling stance during the simulated training. — Edd Gent, IEEE Spectrum, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for novel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for novel
  1. narrative
  2. novelette
  3. new
  4. fiction
  5. monograph
  6. unfamiliar
  7. anecdote
  8. pulp
Noun
  • Arthur says these moves have contributed to a narrative that does not always acknowledge the value of linear.
    — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026
  • In the narrative to has unfolded from authorities and passenger accounts, Machchhar had the presence of mind to open the locked door of the cockpit after he was stabbed.
    — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of narrative
Noun
  • Alfred Hitchcock turned one of Woolrich’s novelettes into Rear Window, for which Woolrich was paid the grand sum of $650.
    — Sam Kashner, Air Mail, 12 Apr. 2025
  • The next year, Hao Jingfang became the first Chinese woman to win a Hugo, for her novelette Folding Beijing.
    — Yi-Ling Liu, Wired, 9 Mar. 2021
Definition of novelette
Adjective
  • An emergency program was followed by an initial slowdown in new cases after almost 20 million children received a vaccination in April and May.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
  • In the middle of one of those summer heatwaves this year, Kember was in the promotional cycle for a record with his new partner of 15 years, Panda Bear.
    — Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of new
Noun
  • Forty-five films are selected for the fiction shortlist including Cannes 2026 Palme d’Or winner Fjord, Venice Golden Lion winner Woman Unknown and awards season frontrunners such as La Bola Negra and Coward.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Professor Dixon’s emails were just like his fiction writing—intimate and full of quotidian details.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of fiction
Noun
  • Design lovers know it well as the cover to King’s hit 2023 monograph, Arranging Things.
    — Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2026
  • With their modernist French flair that is well recognized in the world of luxury travel and hospitality, Humbert & Poyet has also published its first monograph.
    — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of monograph
Adjective
  • The fourth grader and other students hid in an unfamiliar room for about 30 minutes as gunshots erupted nearby.
    — Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Also, look for unfamiliar providers or incorrect information in your medical records.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of unfamiliar
Noun
  • There’s an exodus reversal happening, as seen by a growing body of relevant anecdotes.
    — Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Beneath his commentary on trending topics and crowd interactions are anecdotes inspired by Brookzz’s family and his personal life, giving the debut a hint of intimacy and a glimpse into the man behind the charming grin and witty quips.
    — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of anecdote
Noun
  • Södra represents more than 50,000 family forest owners in Sweden and operates businesses spanning pulp, timber, building systems, energy and biochemicals.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The team instead designed a windbreaker with Tencel Lyocell, a wood-pulp fiber, as the main fabric, tightly woven and treated with a PFAs-free water-repellent finish.
    — Matthew Huff, Time, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of pulp

Browse Nearby Words

novas
novel
novelette
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on novel

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about novel

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