1
as in inexperienced
being such only for recreation
an amateur cabinetmaker, he derives immense satisfaction from finely crafting his own furniture
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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
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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
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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
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as in amateurism
a lack of the level of skill associated with an expert or professional
I was surprised at the amateurishness of the dance presentation, considering it was put on by supposed professionals
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of amateur
Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 17 Apr. 2025
For the first time since 2022, no amateur made the cut at the Masters.
—Jordan Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 13 Apr. 2025
Australian amateur Michael Mattiazzo discovered the comet in late March using SWAN imagery, which maps hydrogen in the solar wind according to Spaceweather.com.
—Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Babolat is a trusted brand that utilizes the latest in technology to make rackets suited for pros and amateurs alike.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for amateur
Noun
Carlsen also happens to be a co-founder of Freestyle Chess, which is looking to engage both chess aficionados, as well as amateurs new to the game.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 17 Apr. 2025
For the first time since 2022, no amateur made the cut at the Masters.
—Jordan Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 13 Apr. 2025
Australian amateur Michael Mattiazzo discovered the comet in late March using SWAN imagery, which maps hydrogen in the solar wind according to Spaceweather.com.
—Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Babolat is a trusted brand that utilizes the latest in technology to make rackets suited for pros and amateurs alike.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for amateur
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amateur
Adjective
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Again, avocational people being kind of ahead of the archaeological profession.—
Lisa Deaderick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Feb. 2024
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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
Adjective
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The Battle of Algiers (1966) Shot on location and filled with nonprofessional actors, Gillo Pontecorvo’s The Battle of Algiers chronicles the clash between forces of the French government and rebels in the Algerian capital during the Algerian War.—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
22 Nov. 2024
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Aside from the three main actors, the majority of the film features largely nonprofessional actors, cast from Alliata’s real friends and family from her childhood in Hawaii.—
Wilson Chapman,
IndieWire,
12 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Amateur.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amateur. Accessed 7 May. 2025.
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