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 From a Kings rookie’s hometown debut to a Sac State protest investigation, Sacramento-area readers had plenty to catch up on this weekend. — Sacbee.com, 26 Oct. 2026 London spent extra time with rookie linebacker Kendal Daniels. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 26 Oct. 2026 Jamal Murray scored 42 points and rookie Trevon Brazille had seven of his 17 points in overtime in his home debut for Denver, which took an early lead in overtime. — ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026 And luckily, the rookie was able to play considering the circumstances of last week. — Scott Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rookie

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rookie

Noun

To capture some of that essence, Guitar Center is trying to make its stores a place to hang out for novices and pros alike.

— Phil Wahba, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026
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

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 5-foot-10, 185-pound redshirt freshman has been a key part of the Knights’ ground game, rushing for 162 yards on 32 carries and scoring two touchdowns.

— Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
Oregon State is off to a 5-2 start, 3-0 in conference play, behind talented sophomore quarterback Braden Atkinson and Heisman Trophy hopeful freshman wide receiver Jesse Legree.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of freshman

Noun

About 95% of early voters also cast ballots in the 2024 presidential election, a reminder that the first wave is dominated by more regular voters and not newcomers.

— Charles Minshew, AJC.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Still, California’s appeal to some newcomers hasn’t translated into stronger overall migration numbers.

— Preston Fore, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of newcomer

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 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of rookie

noun

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