originality

noun

ə-ˌri-jə-ˈna-lə-tē How to pronounce originality (audio)
Definition of originalitynext
1
as in novelty
the quality or appeal of being new the originality of the war memorial sparked a heated controversy, as most people had been expecting something more traditional

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2
as in creativity
the skill and imagination to create new things a poet of great originality, she brought a whole new range of subject matter and imagery to poetry

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3
as in imagination
the ability to form mental images of things that either are not physically present or have never been conceived or created by others a graphic novel that shows a lot of originality on the part of its creator

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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 originality What the Zak Schulze Gang’s music thus far lacks in originality is made up for in sheer velocity. — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026 For architecture-minded buyers, the appeal may come down to originality and provenance — not just finishes. — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 15 Aug. 2026 This summary does an injustice to the originality and the sophistication of Tregenza’s way with narrative form. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 11 Aug. 2026 That same commitment to quality, originality, and staying true to your roots is what Twnty-Two stands for. — Malik Davis, VIBE.com, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for originality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for originality
  1. novelty
  2. creativity
  3. imagination
  4. freshness
  5. creativeness
  6. imaginativeness
  7. newness
  8. ingenuity
Noun
  • Founded in 2019, Whatnot built its audience on novelties and collectibles.
    — Ryan Baker, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The High-Stakes Future of Prediction Markets Prediction markets have moved from a novelty to a mainstream consumer product.
    — Semafor Events, semafor.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of novelty
Noun
  • Additionally, neurodivergent team members often bring high levels of creativity, problem-solving skills, and resilience under pressure.
    — Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Cole did worry that curators might overemphasize the diagnosis, that King would no longer be an artist but an autistic artist, and therefore a symbol of something—resilience, perhaps, or liberation through creativity.
    — Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of creativity
Noun
  • Thematic methodologies have been one of the downfalls of contemporary museology (and art history) generally, a crisis of collective memory and the historical imagination overall.
    — George Baker, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Most people carry extraordinary stories worth telling, and raw imagination is rarely the limiting factor.
    — Coco Mao, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of imagination
Noun
  • The Bees & Greens tours also include a visit to the on-site garden, where the hotel grows all its lettuce, kale, and other leafy greens to be used in the restaurant, ensuring sustainability and freshness.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
  • How To Store White Peaches Peaches will be best when they are enjoyed at their ultimate freshness.
    — Aly Walansky, Southern Living, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of freshness
Noun
  • But without freedom, Berdyaev writes, creativeness is impossible.
    — Andrew McDiarmid, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
Definition of creativeness
Noun
  • There's also a palpable new seam of imaginativeness among residents.
    — Toby Skinner, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Nov. 2024
Definition of imaginativeness
Noun
  • Washed grey colorways, tonal floral embroidery and ripped knees are some of the ways the brand is injecting newness for fall.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • For retailers and brands wanting to tap in, differentiation will rely on newness and innovation.
    — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of newness
Noun
  • The fair, officially called the World’s Columbian Exposition, aimed to showcase American ingenuity.
    — Alison J. Stein, HubSpot, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Whatever our party affiliation or political views, Americans should appreciate Roosevelt’s ingenuity, determination and confidence and applaud Eisenhower’s competence, planning and stewardship.
    — John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of ingenuity

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original
originality
originally
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Cite this Entry

“Originality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/originality. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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