1
as in inexperienced
being such only for recreation
an amateur cabinetmaker, he derives immense satisfaction from finely crafting his own furniture
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in amateurish
lacking or showing a lack of expert skill
in every room there were amateur watercolors, apparently the work of the innkeeper's wife
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in tinkerer
a person who regularly or occasionally engages in an activity as a pastime rather than as a profession
an amateur photographer who has won a number of photo contests
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in beginner
a person who lacks experience and competence in an art or science
a homemade doghouse that looked like it was built by an amateur who hadn't mastered basic carpentry
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of amateur
Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
This kind of sophomoric glee made the show a cult hit Off Broadway in the early 2000s and has ensured its lasting presence in the repertoire of amateur productions and musical-theater programs around the country.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2025
Mike Stunson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2025
The dramatization of one of the darkest chapters in American crime history has drawn plaudits for sidestepping easy sensationalism about the Chicago contractor and amateur clown who murdered 33 boys in the 1970s, burying them in a crawl space beneath his house.
—Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for amateur
Adjective
The Mariners signed Medina as an amateur free agent out of Venezuela on July 25, 2005.
—Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
This kind of sophomoric glee made the show a cult hit Off Broadway in the early 2000s and has ensured its lasting presence in the repertoire of amateur productions and musical-theater programs around the country.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2025
Noun
According to his obituary, George Ramos began boxing as an amateur at 11.
—Mike Stunson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2025
The dramatization of one of the darkest chapters in American crime history has drawn plaudits for sidestepping easy sensationalism about the Chicago contractor and amateur clown who murdered 33 boys in the 1970s, burying them in a crawl space beneath his house.
—Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for amateur
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amateur
Adjective
-
Senior defensive tackle Braxton Fely’s radar is already up at the chance of facing another inexperienced QB.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
30 Oct. 2025
-
In doing so, Sonny mentors a talented but inexperienced rookie named Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris) and brings an unconventional style of racing to the track.—
Tommy McArdle,
PEOPLE,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
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How would the tinkerer-in-chief Guardiola galaxy-brain his way around this clash of styles?—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
3 Nov. 2025
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From the early tinkerers who first imagined electrical speech to the engineers who built continental cables, digital switching, satellites, and wireless networks, countless inventors have pushed the limits of how far and how fast a human voice can travel.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
29 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Mountaineering expedition companies describe Mount Yalung Ri, located in eastern Nepal’s Rolwaling Valley, as a peak suitable for beginners with no previous experience or for those acclimatizing for higher summits of the Himalayas, which can tower above 8,000 meters.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
3 Nov. 2025
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It’s considered suitable for beginners with no previous experience climbing high mountains.—
Louis Casiano,
FOXNews.com,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Again, avocational people being kind of ahead of the archaeological profession.—
Lisa Deaderick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Feb. 2024
-
The Club’s motto, ‘Weaving spiders, come not here,’ conveys the Club’s character and purpose as a social, avocational organization.—
Wire Services,
Dallas News,
7 Apr. 2023
Noun
-
For decades, Popular Science has highlighted the work of hobbyists.—
Laura Kiniry,
Popular Science,
22 Oct. 2025
-
There are accounts with millions of followers and a flock of smaller hobbyists, all posting near-interchangeable updates on what’s for sale.—
Molly Fischer,
New Yorker,
20 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
This recipe is super easy to follow even for novice bakers.—
Mary Shannon Wells,
Southern Living,
2 Nov. 2025
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Fast forward 55 years, and the event has grown into the world’s largest and most anticipated road race, drawing professionals and novices alike to push their limits — and test running shoe innovations along the way.—
Tonya Blazio-Licorish,
Footwear News,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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This year, Friedman is celebrating 30 years as the music director of the Symphony of Oak Park River Forest, a nonprofessional orchestra in the western suburbs.—
Hannah Edgar,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Aug. 2025
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Those seeking advanced degrees in nonprofessional areas, such as history or philosophy, will be subject to an annual borrowing cap of $20,500 and a lifetime limit of $100,000.—
Anne Marie D. Lee,
CBS News,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
The kids' club received an overhaul in 2018.—
Jacqui Gifford,
Travel + Leisure,
31 Oct. 2025
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Proving that moms will do anything for their kids, Kim Kardashian joined North to dress up as her favorite TikTok stars, Jay Guapõ and Pink Cardigan.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
PEOPLE,
31 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Amateur.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amateur. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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