freshman

noun

ˈfresh-mən How to pronounce freshman (audio)
Definition of freshmannext
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

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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 freshman Mingo's brother, freshman guard Dylan Mingo, chipped in with 14 points. — ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026 Rosters have been reshaped by the transfer portal, freshmen are playing their first real minutes, and lines are set more on projections than results. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2026 Szudy was elevated to the varsity during the playoffs as a freshman. — Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026 Nine of the 15 players listed on the Lions' roster are freshmen. — CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for freshman
Recent Examples of Synonyms for freshman
  1. novice
  2. rookie
  3. newcomer
  4. beginner
  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
  • Heat rookie Ryan Conwell was the first guard used off the bench on Monday after beginning the season out of the rotation.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Judd Caulfield scored twice, rookie Roger McQueen added another and Leo Carlsson had three assists to help the Ducks win for the second time in nine games.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of rookie
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
  • 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
  • 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

freshly
freshman
freshmen
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Freshman.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/freshman. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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