NOVEL Synonyms: 101 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

novel 1 of 2

noun

Definition of novel next

as in narrative

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in novelette

Synonyms & Similar Words

novel

2 of 2

adjective

ˈnä-vəl

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

Examples 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

The film was based on the novel of the same name by David Seals. Of those titles made by Black directors this year, there is Compensation, Ganja and Hess, Uptown Saturday Night, Will, and Zora Lathan Student Films. —

Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 17 Dec. 2024 The series, which HBO plans to run for the next decade across multiple streaming seasons, is a reimagining of author JK Rowling's popular fantasy novels. —

Dan Perry, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024

Adjective

The company's Search revenue could diminish over the long term due to novel AI models By Oliver Rodzianko Summary Google’s diversification into AI mitigates risks to Search revenue from competitors like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Perplexity with a forecasted 11.17% EV CAGR over the next decade. —

Gurufocus, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024 Feed their novel obsession with a Book of the Month subscription that delivers the recipient their selection of the five to seven monthly titles offered. —

Cai Cramer, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for novel

Recent Examples of Synonyms for novel

Noun

These claims are completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt and rehash a narrative in the media.

Dominic Patten, Deadline, 21 Dec. 2024
Our recommendation is to get ahead of this narrative, owning any misconceptions and addressing them head on.

Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 21 Dec. 2024