ROOKIE Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

rookie

noun

ˈru̇-kē

Definition of rookie

as in novice

a person who is just starting out in a field of activity although a star in his old sport of basketball, he was still just a rookie as far as baseball was concerned

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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 rookie Rourke spent his 49ers rookie year rehabbing from ACL repair, and he’s rotated with Adrian Martinez for QB3 reps behind Brock Purdy and Mac Jones. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026 But others argue those rookie mistakes and earlier comments − including calls to abolish the police − were eclipsed by Hong's grassroots support and growing frustrations with the party establishment. — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026 The rookie phenomenon earned eight Emmy noms, including drama series. — Matt Minton, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026 And the only other options in the room are Deonte Banks and rookie Colton Hood. — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rookie

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rookie

Noun

The epic eight-part Italian drama was widely acclaimed and streamed in the fall on Mubi, a relatively novice player in the episodic game.

— David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
The music industry has been wrestling with the pros and cons of the new technology that allows musical novices to create professional-sounding songs in seconds.

— Bloomberg, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of novice

Noun

In May, an 18-year-old freshman reported she was raped and strangled after meeting a man at a fraternity party before returning to her dorm at Tropicana Gardens in Isla Vista.

— Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 13 Aug. 2026
But none of that kept Jones from keeping his commitment to Boise State, and his position coach here, first-year man Alvis Whitted, has been impressed by the young freshman.

— Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of freshman

Noun

Dango Ouattara should retain his role on the right but newcomer Jaidon Anthony could pinch Kevin Schade’s place on the opposite side.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Amziah hands off the honey plant to Kateri as McConaughey, the Oscar-winning movie star, hands off the film to newcomer LookingGlass, in her very first movie role.

— Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of newcomer

Noun

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
Twenty years later, John (Pierre) is serving as an apprentice to an older, grouchier Hal.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of apprentice

Browse Nearby Words

rooked

rookie

rookies

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Style

“Rookie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rookie. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of rookie

noun

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