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
  • Classes range from beginner-friendly lessons, like learning how to use a machine, to teaching intermediate skills, like hemming pants or installing a zipper.
    — Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Ski Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is one of the hardest mountains in North America, with only 10 percent of its terrain meant for beginners.
    — Lindsay Cohn, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of beginner
Noun
  • The Panthers, with three freshmen and two sophomores playing major roles, finished 22-4.
    — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Adding Gwath, who had 68 blocks as a freshman and 37 as a sophomore and moves well, certainly boosts that goal, and Gwath thinks the team’s length and experience should help on defense.
    — Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 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
  • When unnecessary costs accumulate, a small contractor may have less money available for raises, equipment, another apprentice or employee benefits.
    — Christian Swann, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026
  • But Glennon’s glad-handing soon gives way to a much blunter critique when my Ear-Candling Tech’s apprentice steps in to say that my team has absolutely had it with me and my excuses.
    — Julie Klausner, New Yorker, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of apprentice

Browse Nearby Words

rooked
rookie
rookies
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rookie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rookie. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

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