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 After a rough rookie season, Williams had a breakout year with coach Ben Johnson in 2025 and led Chicago to an NFC North title and playoff win. — ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026 Prescott took his job as a rookie 10 years ago when Romo injured his back in the preseason. — CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026 When Stefanski replaced Rush with undrafted rookie quarterback Jack Strand midway through the third quarter, the fanbase largely simmered. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 21 Sep. 2026 Rodriguez’s eight tackles gave him 22 for the season, tied for sixth most among rookies in their first two games since the NFL began officially tracking tackles in 1994. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rookie

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rookie

Noun

Despite being an expert in her craft, Godshalk communicated the principles of floral design to her students in a way that was easy for novices to digest.

— Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 19 Sep. 2026
Sid Vicious, six months before his debut as the Sex Pistols’ new bassist, was most assuredly a novice on the drums.

— Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of novice

Noun

At a beginner’s mahjong night at a local bar, tables largely full of young professionals engaged in friendly competition over Hong Kong-style sets as Chang emceed over a microphone.

— Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026
Then be sure to read our roundups of the best telescope deals, along with our beginner's guide to observing the night sky with a manual telescope.

— Anthony Wood, Space.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of beginner

Noun

Captain Breanna Stewart and newcomers Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese were wearing red-and-white versions of their Pumas, Nikes and Reeboks, respectively.

— Shakeia Taylor, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Douthat is the only newcomer added to the opening credits where the correspondents introduce themselves on camera.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of newcomer

Browse Nearby Words

rooked

rookie

rookies

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“Rookie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rookie. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of rookie

noun

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