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amateur

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noun

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

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

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
Adjective
First launched in 2024, Playtomic will work to create opportunities for players to participate in amateur tournaments, activations and competitions connected to Premier Padel events. Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 26 Sep. 2025 Maybe the kid should consider an amateur bout. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
The par-4s tend to play more like par-5’s for amateurs. Scott Kramer, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025 Clay was an 18-year-old amateur then, the Louisville golden boy who’d already captured eight regional Golden Gloves and two nationals. Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for amateur
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amateur
Adjective
  • By the way, Valera wasn’t the only inexperienced Guardian to make a pivotal play.
    Levi Weaver, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Fleck said that type of at-the-line adjustment is atypical for such an inexperienced player; Lindsey was making only his fourth collegiate start.
    Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The tinkerer was a socialite and widow named Josephine Cochrane.
    Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • His uncle Leo, a naval engineer, noticed that his nephew was a budding tinkerer and gave him a Kodak photo-chemistry set for his sixth birthday.
    Chris Wiley, New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • After a few tries, even beginners can pull cafe-quality espresso shots.
    Christopher Murray may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The true beginner might want to start with Gaia’s Garden and then make their way here.
    Catherine Habgood September 29, Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Again, avocational people being kind of ahead of the archaeological profession.
    Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Feb. 2024
  • The Club’s motto, ‘Weaving spiders, come not here,’ conveys the Club’s character and purpose as a social, avocational organization.
    Wire Services, Dallas News, 7 Apr. 2023
Noun
  • The blind spots of breakthrough technologies Like most of his peers, Farley sees AI’s potential for everything from improving warranty processes to training novice technicians to repair complex engines.
    Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The novice user will rely on a single, default tool.
    Marco Argenti, Time, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This year, Friedman is celebrating 30 years as the music director of the Symphony of Oak Park River Forest, a nonprofessional orchestra in the western suburbs.
    Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2025
  • 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
Noun
  • With a price of around $170,000, the Switchblade is the most accessible vehicle for hobbyists and private pilots.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Popular Science recently spoke with Tom about his life-long love of cars, the Vacation movies, and his advice for other hobbyists.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • After a long day of activity, reward the kids with a treat from The Cake Bake Shop or Graeter’s Ice Cream.
    Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Many autistic kids are drawn to water, regardless of its temperature, because water offers a calming sensory effect.
    Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 4 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Amateur.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amateur. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

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