Synonyms of amateur

amateur 1 of 2

adjective

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

• inexperienced
• avocational
• nonprofessional
• Sunday
• backyard
• amateurish
• unskilled
• unprofessional
• primitive
• unprepared
• naive
• self-taught
• untutored
• dilettante
• unschooled
• untrained
• weekend
• uninitiated
• jackleg
• part-time
• inexpert
• untaught
• unqualified

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

• inexperienced
• amateurish
• nonprofessional
• unskilled
• unprofessional
• inexpert
• dilettante
• dilettantish
• incompetent
• unskillful
• awkward
• unfinished
• new
• unprepared
• untrained
• untutored
• unschooled
• clumsy
• jackleg
• would-be
• uninitiated
• unqualified
• self-taught
• untaught
• primitive
• fresh
• unpolished
• beginning
• flawed
• entry-level
• defective
• ham-fisted
• untalented
• unfit
• unseasoned
• crude
• untried
• untested
• faulty
• green
• incapable
• ham-handed
• curbstone
• ungifted
• heavy-handed
• unable
• raw
• talentless

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• professional
• expert
• skilled
• adept
• ace
• competent
• capable
• virtuoso
• talented
• able
• skillful
• master
• consummate
• virtuosic
• proficient
• masterly
• gifted
• masterful
• veteran
• seasoned
• experienced
• handsome
• accomplished
• dexterous
• qualified
• crackerjack
• taught
• knowledgeable
• prepared
• educated
• trained
• practiced
• initiated
• fitted
• schooled
• versatile
• versed
• habile
• polished
• ambidextrous
• finished
• slick
• tutored
• well-rounded
• all-around

amateur

2 of 2

noun

ˈa-mə-chər 

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

• tinkerer
• hobbyist
• potterer
• enthusiast
• layman
• dabbler
• fan
• nonexpert
• nonprofessional
• dilettante
• putterer
• generalist
• devotee
• jack-of-all-trades
• aficionado
• buff
• all-rounder
• general practitioner

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• expert
• authority
• specialist
• professional
• pro

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

• beginner
• novice
• kid
• inexpert
• rookie
• newcomer
• freshman
• hacker
• hack
• trifler
• jackleg
• learner
• tyro
• greenhorn
• neophyte
• tenderfoot

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• expert
• master
• craftsman
• ace
• hand
• shark
• virtuoso
• past master
• veteran
• maestro
• adept
• wizard
• whiz
• crackerjack
• sharp
• vet
• old hand
• old-timer

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun amateur differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of amateur are dabbler, dilettante, and tyro. While all these words mean "a person who follows a pursuit without attaining proficiency or professional status," amateur often applies to one practicing an art without mastery of its essentials; in sports it may also suggest not so much lack of skill but avoidance of direct remuneration.

a painting obviously done by an amateur

remained an amateur despite lucrative offers

In what contexts can dabbler take the place of amateur?

While the synonyms dabbler and amateur are close in meaning, dabbler suggests desultory habits of work and lack of persistence.

a dabbler who started novels but never finished them

When is it sensible to use dilettante instead of amateur?

The words dilettante and amateur can be used in similar contexts, but dilettante may apply to the lover of an art rather than its skilled practitioner but usually implies elegant trifling in the arts and an absence of serious commitment.

had no patience for dilettantes

When might tyro be a better fit than amateur?

The words tyro and amateur are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, tyro implies inexperience often combined with audacity with resulting crudeness or blundering.

shows talent but is still a mere tyro

How does the noun amateur differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of amateur are dabbler, dilettante, and tyro. While all these words mean "a person who follows a pursuit without attaining proficiency or professional status," amateur often applies to one practicing an art without mastery of its essentials; in sports it may also suggest not so much lack of skill but avoidance of direct remuneration.

a painting obviously done by an amateur

remained an amateur despite lucrative offers

In what contexts can dabbler take the place of amateur?

While the synonyms dabbler and amateur are close in meaning, dabbler suggests desultory habits of work and lack of persistence.

a dabbler who started novels but never finished them

When is it sensible to use dilettante instead of amateur?

The words dilettante and amateur can be used in similar contexts, but dilettante may apply to the lover of an art rather than its skilled practitioner but usually implies elegant trifling in the arts and an absence of serious commitment.

had no patience for dilettantes

When might tyro be a better fit than amateur?

The words tyro and amateur are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, tyro implies inexperience often combined with audacity with resulting crudeness or blundering.

shows talent but is still a mere tyro

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of amateur

Adjective

Those funds are used to fund other USTA endeavors, such as amateur tournaments, coaching workshops and development. —Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 24 Feb. 2026

In 2021, an amateur diver found a large sword dating back to the Crusades at the bottom of Mediterranean Sea off Israel. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 24 Feb. 2026

Noun

Those of you with an interest in Germany’s Bundesliga might have seen the story of the Koln supporter and amateur referee who proposed to his boyfriend before a match at home to Wolfsburg last month. —Phil Hay, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026

That particular game against the Soviet Union was an easy unifier; a team comprised of amateurs playing against glorified professionals during the Cold War. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Feb. 2026