tenderfoot

noun

ˈten-dər-ˌfu̇t How to pronounce tenderfoot (audio)
Definition of tenderfootnext
as in novice
a person who is just starting out in a field of activity skateboarders who are tenderfeet will inevitably fall as they learn their first moves

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 tenderfoot Smit-McPhee plays a hapless Scottish tenderfoot who teams with Fassbender's conflicted bounty hunter to track down his true love in the American West. — and Kevin Jacobsen, EW.com, 21 June 2024 The tenderfoot Americans, with six rookies, eight guys yet to reach 30, and minimal scar tissue, won three of four foursomes in the morning to get to 9-3 and two of four fourball rounds in the afternoon to reach 11-5. — BostonGlobe.com, 25 Sep. 2021 Once upon a time, the members of a whitetail deer hunting club in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula invited a tenderfoot to their camp. — The Editors, Field & Stream, 11 Oct. 2020 But even a tenderfoot can easily corral yeast and put it to use, because yeast is everywhere. — Henry Fountain, New York Times, 7 May 2020 But like a tenderfoot scout who confidently builds a campfire only to end up burning down the forest, Kalanick’s loose management — of his staff and himself — paved the way for a cascade of embarrassing scandals by 2014. — Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tenderfoot
  1. novice
  2. beginner
  3. apprentice
  4. newcomer
  5. rookie
  6. freshman
Noun
  • The epic eight-part Italian drama was widely acclaimed and streamed in the fall on Mubi, a relatively novice player in the episodic game.
    — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The music industry has been wrestling with the pros and cons of the new technology that allows musical novices to create professional-sounding songs in seconds.
    — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of novice
Noun
  • For absolute beginners, Quynh advises trying liquid concealer first.
    — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The workshop offers instruction for various levels, including beginner and intermediate.
    — Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of beginner
Noun
  • During his first two years as a starter, Santori was the apprentice who carefully studied the game and developed organically under the influence of his older peers.
    — Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Twenty years later, John (Pierre) is serving as an apprentice to an older, grouchier Hal.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of apprentice
Noun
  • Dango Ouattara should retain his role on the right but newcomer Jaidon Anthony could pinch Kevin Schade’s place on the opposite side.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Amziah hands off the honey plant to Kateri as McConaughey, the Oscar-winning movie star, hands off the film to newcomer LookingGlass, in her very first movie role.
    — Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of newcomer
Noun
  • From Jordan Spieth trying to find his form, to rookie Jackson Koivun looking to continue a remarkable first season, to Scottie Scheffler chasing another Player of the Year honor, there is plenty to watch as the playoffs get underway.
    — Tim Corlett, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Pinch-runner Sung-Mun Song scored that winner with a deft headfirst slide, denying Sanchez’s tag attempt after a good (but high) throw from rookie right fielder Luis Lara one play after Lara denied Jackson Merrill’s a game-winning extra-base hit.
    — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of rookie
Noun
  • In May, an 18-year-old freshman reported she was raped and strangled after meeting a man at a fraternity party before returning to her dorm at Tropicana Gardens in Isla Vista.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • But none of that kept Jones from keeping his commitment to Boise State, and his position coach here, first-year man Alvis Whitted, has been impressed by the young freshman.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of freshman

Browse Nearby Words

tenderfeet
tenderfoot
tenderhearted
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Cite this Entry

“Tenderfoot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tenderfoot. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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