ORIGINALITY Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words

originality

noun

ə-ˌri-jə-ˈna-lə-tē

Definition of originality

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Such originality comes at substantially less than $50M production costs. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 4 Oct. 2026 Marina Warner Possessed of Alchemystic Powers Ithell Colquhoun improvised with Surrealist and occult divinatory techniques in her paintings, and also in her writing—and in this lies her true originality. — Conor Heffernan, The New York Review of Books, 3 Oct. 2026 The old money aesthetic emphasizes timeless, layered decor with craftsmanship, quality, and originality. — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2026 Venezia Spotlight is the festival’s competitive section dedicated to works that showcase emerging trends and demonstrate creative originality and innovation. — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for originality

Recent Examples of Synonyms for originality

Noun

The general trivia and straight clues are also tough, and there’s a good amount of novelty, including 11 debut entries, a few oddballs among them, and one utterly brutal misdirect that significantly spiced up my solving experience.

— Caitlin Lovinger, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2026
That difference is now proving itself in luxury real estate, where the quality of the experience determines whether surf is a fleeting novelty or an anchor with staying power.

— Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of novelty

Noun

What readers are saying The comments reflect a wide appreciation for walking as a beneficial activity for creativity, problem-solving, and mental clarity.

— Richard Sima, Washington Post, 18 Oct. 2026
The safe and predictable format and approach to creativity that was needed to broaden appeal to advertisers.

— William Daddi, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of creativity

Noun

At Garth Greenan, where more than forty of Drexler’s paintings and drawings from the sixties were on display, I was struck, once again, by the astonishing freshness and psychological bite of her work.

— Leslie Camhi, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2026
The range, the variety, the freshness, the ecstatic culture of experimentation.

— Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of freshness

Noun

Rooms The sheer architectural ingenuity and stature of the main building will take your breath away.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
Trying to find her brother, Prue — aided by Curtis, who reveals previously unseen pluck and ingenuity — encounters a variety of colorful animal and human characters as both friends and foes.

— Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of ingenuity

Browse Nearby Words

original

originality

originally

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Style

“Originality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/originality. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of originality

noun

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