rookie

noun

ˈru̇-kē How to pronounce rookie (audio)
Definition of rookienext
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

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 rookie The Chiefs faced third-and-6 from their 36-yard line when QB Patrick Mahomes threw a short pass to rookie Emmett Johnson for what was initially ruled a 4-yard gain. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026 The defense won as New England held Miami, which was without rookie left guard Kadyn Proctor due to a concussion, to 74 yards rushing, almost half of its average. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2026 Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley injured his toe in the second quarter and was replaced by undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano. — Cbs Baltimore, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026 The Cardinals lost rookie Jeremiyah Love and Bam Knight to injury but Tyler Allgeier ran for 147, including a 63-yard TD, to help Arizona rally against the Cowboys. — ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rookie
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rookie
  1. novice
  2. beginner
  3. freshman
  4. newcomer
  5. apprentice
Noun
  • By July, morale among immigration officers had dipped below its nadir during the Biden Administration, with agents now complaining of being overextended, inundated with novice recruits, and undermined by inflammatory rhetoric from on high.
    — Francisco Cantú, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Thomas was a novice attorney who had already run and lost as the Republican candidate for state attorney general.
    — Michael Kiefer, Washington Post, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of novice
Noun
  • This is a great beginner-friendly telescope and comes with a couple of eyepieces to get new users on their skywatching journey.
    — Harry Bennett, Space.com, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Eighty percent of the skiers are local, says Linebaugh, and half the runs are expert level, while the other half are well suited for beginners, intermediate, and ski school.
    — Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of beginner
Noun
  • Sophomore Lexi White had 10 kills, nine digs and two aces, while freshman Taryn Lambert added 12 kills, 13 digs and two solo blocks.
    — Steve Gorches, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Georgia's Gigi Artiles is the only other outside hitters to be named the freshman of the week at least once.
    — Zoe Collins Rath, Austin American Statesman, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of freshman
Noun
  • Rachel Weatherington, who challenged political newcomer Geramie Parrish in the Place 4 race, was ahead with 70% of the vote with Parrish garnering 30%, according to unofficial, incomplete results from Tarrant County.
    — Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Doral voters elected newcomer Peter Espinosa to the City Council on Tuesday, while incumbent Maureen Porras held a narrow lead of just eight votes in the race for Seat 2.
    — Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of newcomer
Noun
  • As part of the program, IBM will participate in a new City Colleges apprenticeship program to support 500 students to work at the innovation center over the next five years, hiring at least 180 apprentice alumni to reach its employment target.
    — Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026
  • In 2025, Google committed $10 million to the Electrical Training Alliance to help train more than 100,000 electricians and 30,000 new apprentices within five years.
    — Phillip Marangella, Forbes.com, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of apprentice

Browse Nearby Words

rooked
rookie
rookies
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Cite this Entry

“Rookie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rookie. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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