1
as in inexperienced
being such only for recreation
an amateur cabinetmaker, he derives immense satisfaction from finely crafting his own furniture
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in amateurish
lacking or showing a lack of expert skill
in every room there were amateur watercolors, apparently the work of the innkeeper's wife
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in tinkerer
a person who regularly or occasionally engages in an activity as a pastime rather than as a profession
an amateur photographer who has won a number of photo contests
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in beginner
a person who lacks experience and competence in an art or science
a homemade doghouse that looked like it was built by an amateur who hadn't mastered basic carpentry
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 amateur
Kaitlyn Pohly, Miami Herald, 20 July 2025
That part of the industry, once dominated by amateurs making funny viral videos with smartphones has blossomed into a formidable entertainment force, where video creators are setting up real businesses with large studios in Southern California funded through advertising by major brands.
—Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
But on Thursday, the Orioles traded Baker to the Rays for the No. 37 pick in the 2025 amateur draft, which begins Sunday.
—Levi Weaver, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Again, once the Field School staff restrained the shark, the team of amateurs got to work quickly and efficiently, with the only mishap being a person who rubbed their fingers the wrong way against the shark skin and got an abrasion that drew a bit of blood.
—ArsTechnica, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for amateur
Noun
Wellington welcomes Olympic hopefuls, juniors balancing school, and even adult amateurs returning to the sport.
—Kaitlyn Pohly, Miami Herald, 20 July 2025
That part of the industry, once dominated by amateurs making funny viral videos with smartphones has blossomed into a formidable entertainment force, where video creators are setting up real businesses with large studios in Southern California funded through advertising by major brands.
—Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
But on Thursday, the Orioles traded Baker to the Rays for the No. 37 pick in the 2025 amateur draft, which begins Sunday.
—Levi Weaver, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Again, once the Field School staff restrained the shark, the team of amateurs got to work quickly and efficiently, with the only mishap being a person who rubbed their fingers the wrong way against the shark skin and got an abrasion that drew a bit of blood.
—ArsTechnica, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for amateur
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amateur
Noun
-
Plus, reporter Harry Rabinowitz tested over 30 pairs of running shoes and shares his top picks for beginners, shoes with the best arch support, and more.—
Elizabeth Robinson,
NBC news,
12 Aug. 2025
-
For beginner astronomers, this means it has been recognized for its ultra dark skies and commitment to retaining an environment free of light pollution and ideal for astronomical observations.—
JP Shaffer,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Again, avocational people being kind of ahead of the archaeological profession.—
Lisa Deaderick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Feb. 2024
-
The avocational musicians rehearse three hours each Monday evening through the academic year, with two additional rehearsals during concert weeks.—
Beth Wood,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Sep. 2023
Noun
-
The current version of Kuang might be described as a tabula-rasa novice, a highly accomplished author who would prefer to be an eager disciple.—
Hua Hsu,
New Yorker,
18 Aug. 2025
-
The most pythons caught by a novice were 14 by Krista Hoekstra, while John Southworth led the military category with 5.—
NBC South Florida,
NBC news,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Those seeking advanced degrees in nonprofessional areas, such as history or philosophy, will be subject to an annual borrowing cap of $20,500 and a lifetime limit of $100,000.—
Anne Marie D. Lee,
CBS News,
11 July 2025
-
Most of the nonprofessional adult actors Burnett paid with gratitude or with beer.—
Doreen St. Félix,
New Yorker,
14 June 2025
Noun
-
And just traveling the world with my kids and my wife, and being able to eat and explore different flavors with them, has turned into this.—
Kenneth J. Williams Jr,
Forbes.com,
18 Aug. 2025
-
In it, captivating images showed Black kids in preppy and collegiate wear, lounging on the porches of million-dollar waterfront homes, overlooking Inkwell Beach.—
Meagan Jordan,
Rolling Stone,
17 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
With pet-friendly outdoor seating, a rotating lineup of food trucks, and a vibrant atmosphere featuring live music and trivia nights, even non-beer enthusiasts will find plenty to do.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
17 Aug. 2025
-
The northern coast of the Dominican Republic is a haven for watersports enthusiasts looking to spend their days surfing, paddleboarding, sailing, and more.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Amateur.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amateur. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share