greenhorn

noun

ˈgrēn-ˌhȯrn How to pronounce greenhorn (audio)
Definition of greenhornnext
as in novice
a person who is just starting out in a field of activity go easy on him—he's just a greenhorn and doesn't have all the experience you do

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 greenhorn The indestructible Gill, still strolling the fairways of the magazine, was more than welcoming to a greenhorn. — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 5 May 2025 The author came to Canada from England in 1923 as a 23-year-old greenhorn. — Anton Money, Outdoor Life, 15 Aug. 2024 Hence the herring, every greenhorn’s rite of passage on the Wizard. — Ashley Boucher, EW.com, 11 June 2024 And if Major Kidd could give the kids a pep talk half as good as Rosie, these greenhorns might sleep a little easier. — Chris Klimek, Vulture, 1 Mar. 2024 See All Example Sentences for greenhorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for greenhorn
  1. novice
  2. beginner
  3. apprentice
  4. rookie
  5. newcomer
  6. freshman
Noun
  • The novice senator is beginning her sixth week on the job, having been appointed to fill her late brother Lindsey Graham's seat two days after his sudden death on July 11.
    — Sophia Vlahakis, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • An aurora photographer who spoke to National Geographic offered tips for novices trying to take photos of the phenomenon, including would-be photographers who only have access to a smartphone camera.
    — Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of novice
Noun
  • That level of integration not only simplifies the workflow for beginners but also creates a more efficient and consistent experience for professionals who regularly produce parts.
    — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Our group is so welcoming, and there are always more seasoned players willing to teach and play with beginners, like me.
    — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of beginner
Noun
  • The construction of the statue, completed in 1852, involved an enslaved apprentice.
    — Kelsey Ables, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2026
  • During his first two years as a starter, Santori was the apprentice who carefully studied the game and developed organically under the influence of his older peers.
    — Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of apprentice
Noun
  • Vikings rookie cornerback Da'Veawn Armstead had a punch thrown at him by the Ravens' Keyon Martin after the two got tangled up in one-on-one drills.
    — Ren Clayton, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Domestically, the group dominated the awards circuit during their rookie year – earning the Next Generation Award at the 2026 Golden Disc Awards.
    — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of rookie
Noun
  • Two other newcomers, Jovaughn Gwyn and Ethan Pocic, remain in the mix for the starting spot.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The Dynamo completed a season sweep after beating the Whitecaps 1-0 at home in May on a goal by newcomer Guilherme Santos six minutes into second-half stoppage time.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of newcomer
Noun
  • Heintz, a recent graduate of Peters Township High School, was a freshman at PennWest California.
    — Michael Guise, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Rachal recently transferred to Notre Dame Prep of Sherman Oaks, where incoming freshman guard Zach White played.
    — Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of freshman

Browse Nearby Words

green-eyed monster
greenhorn
greenhorns
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Greenhorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/greenhorn. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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