FRESHMAN Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

freshman

noun

ˈfresh-mən

Definition of freshman

as in novice

a person who is just starting out in a field of activity our senator is just a freshman in Congress

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 freshman Thanks to seating charts, the two were constantly placed next to each other in all of their classes, beginning with freshman year at their Atlanta high school. — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026 Krause said when Kirk died, Krause’s oldest son, a college freshman at the time, was devastated. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Sep. 2026 Boise State freshman kicker Dan Goodale fired the potential game-winning 39-yard field goal far right of the goalpost as time expired. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 31 Aug. 2026 The five-star freshman had just 15 yards in three catches, all three of which came at or behind the line of scrimmage. — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for freshman

Recent Examples of Synonyms for freshman

Noun

Since achieving widespread fame in 2013, Rettig has overseen gatherings that have introduced thousands of novices to toad smoking.

— The Week US, TheWeek, 2 Sep. 2026
What would have taken a novice lapsed coder like me hours of time struggling with physics models and code references was already in a functional, ready-to-test state with minimal effort.

— Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of novice

Noun

Veteran Jamal Adams tore his quad in the team’s first preseason game, and undrafted rookie Jacob Thomas sprained his ankle in the final preseason game.

— Alec Lewis, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
The Ohio State Buckeyes led the way with 11 rookies from the 2026 Draft class on NFL rosters, followed by Texas A&M, which had 10 former Aggies make it to the league.

— Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of rookie

Noun

Her plans include creating a ballroom, cultural and arts center where younger people can practice, newcomers can learn the history and elders can transfer their knowledge.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026
Amin is partnered with newcomer Drew Brees, who is fresh off his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction.

— Takashi Williams, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of newcomer

Noun

And now, a beginner electronics kit has become one small part of a much larger local automation system.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 5 Sep. 2026
On sale for less than $100 right now, this Abu Garcia combo combines lightweight graphite with an intense grip to offer a rod and reel that works well for beginners and advanced casters alike.

— Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of beginner

Noun

Approaching retirement, Patrick searches with exacting standards for someone to fill his shoes, investing time in mentoring young apprentice Matteo.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2026
CEOs would be wise to reinvest some of the profit AI creates into apprentice-style roles that grow entry-level people fast.

— Michael Chavira, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of apprentice

Browse Nearby Words

freshly

freshman

freshmen

See all Nearby Words

Articles Related to freshman

Cite this Entry

Style

“Freshman.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/freshman. Accessed 9 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of freshman

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Is the word 'freshman' going out of...

Learned Fools: On Names for Students

9 Slang Words With Academic Origins

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

stigma

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Games & Quizzes