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 Watching left-wing media try to discredit Caitlin Clark and her dedicated fan base has been a tale as old as her rookie season. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026 Linebacker Jacob Rodriguez’s 18 tackles were the most by a Dolphins rookie in a single game, topping Zach Thomas’ record of 16 against Arizona in 1996. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026 Utilizing him as a point forward might allow Christie to find time for Clifford and Sharp, a promising rookie with 3-and-D capabilities. — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2026 The 22-year-old was a rookie pro for the Condors last season and delivered an impressive year (30-33-63 in 67 games). — Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rookie

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rookie

Noun

In the latest, The Big Cats Dance Party, a high-profile case falls to a novice sleuth while the agency’s founder is away.

— The Week US, TheWeek, 5 Oct. 2026
To a novice taster, sipping out of a plastic Mets carafe, the wine smelled like dry grass and very ripe blackberries.

— Arthur Holland Michel, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of novice

Noun

Promising freshman Olivia Vukosa, the incoming freshman from New York City’s Christ The King High, was the Big East Freshman of the Year.

— Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
Starting freshman tight end Mark Bowman was also listed as questionable on the report after catching six passes for 44 yards against Oregon and amassing the second-most receptions on the team overall with 21.

— Sean Campbell, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of freshman

Noun

Then there is Nana (Erin Morton), sweet as pie and a newcomer to the group.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 29 Sep. 2026
At 22, the Chilean singer-songwriter, most identifiable by her fire engine red tresses, is one of the most visionary newcomers in the latest wave of post-urbano Latin artists.

— Ernesto Lechner, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of newcomer

Noun

For carpenters, delays and poor weather conditions can disrupt the working hours apprentices need to complete their program, causing some to quit.

— Itzel Franco, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
More than half of the new money will go toward the CUNY Professional Development Institute to add 30 apprentices, doubling the total enrollment to 60 trainees, according to a press release shared with the Daily News ahead of the announcement.

— Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of apprentice

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rooked

rookie

rookies

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“Rookie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rookie. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of rookie

noun

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