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 hero of Cudmore's novel is a former punk rock star who now walks mean streets as a private investigator trying to stay sober. —

Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 21 Nov. 2024 The Mann who began writing the novel was an aristocrat of art, hostile to democracy—a reactionary aesthete. —

George Packer, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024

Adjective

This novel design and other touches are the creations of General Motor's design team of five women, led by two who came to GM with unconventional backgrounds. —

Jamie L. Lareau, Detroit Free Press, 5 Nov. 2024 There are certainly novel things about Harris’ campaign. —

Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for novel

Recent Examples of Synonyms for novel

Noun

Instead, she’s celebrated as more of a mythic figure, the specifics of her arduous journeys on the Underground Railroad overlooked in favor of sweeping heroic narratives.

Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Nov. 2024
At the heart of the narrative is Srija’s relationship with her mother Valli, whose support proves crucial amid mounting societal pressures.

Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Nov. 2024