1
as in tinkerers
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in beginners
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
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Recent Examples of amateurs
Unlike the Pro Football and National Baseball halls of fame, the Naismith hall encompasses men, women, amateurs and pros.
—
Brad Townsend, Dallas Morning News, 26 Feb. 2026
The first home movie may be more than a century old, but home video gave amateurs seemingly boundless capacity for recording family and friends.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 25 Feb. 2026
As its reputation grew nationally and its attendance grew, Cypress Gardens became a favorite spot for photographers – amateurs and professionals.
—Roger Simmons, The Orlando Sentinel, 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
But for years now, groups of amateurs have been gathering with sketchbooks in cities across the world to turn their artistic gaze to the everyday sights of skyscrapers and sidewalks — and find beauty there.
—Deena Prichep, NPR, 19 Feb. 2026
Vitello, standing in front of a group of professionals instead of amateurs, told his team about his background, his origins.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026
Olympics athletes, with rare exceptions like the basketball teams or hockey teams, or a Michael Phelps or Shaun White, are amateurs.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 5 Feb. 2026
Only amateurs, another agent told me, would try to cut corners by using AI photos.
—Franklin Schneider, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2026
Brad Townsend, Dallas Morning News, 26 Feb. 2026
The first home movie may be more than a century old, but home video gave amateurs seemingly boundless capacity for recording family and friends.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 25 Feb. 2026
As its reputation grew nationally and its attendance grew, Cypress Gardens became a favorite spot for photographers – amateurs and professionals.
—Roger Simmons, The Orlando Sentinel, 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
But for years now, groups of amateurs have been gathering with sketchbooks in cities across the world to turn their artistic gaze to the everyday sights of skyscrapers and sidewalks — and find beauty there.
—Deena Prichep, NPR, 19 Feb. 2026
Vitello, standing in front of a group of professionals instead of amateurs, told his team about his background, his origins.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026
Olympics athletes, with rare exceptions like the basketball teams or hockey teams, or a Michael Phelps or Shaun White, are amateurs.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 5 Feb. 2026
Only amateurs, another agent told me, would try to cut corners by using AI photos.
—Franklin Schneider, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amateurs
Noun
-
Rather than targeting end users, the company aims to empower developers, researchers, and tinkerers to create breakthrough humanoid applications without building full robots from scratch.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Dedicated sports engineers and tinkerers alike continue to fine tune specialized skate designs.—
Mark Hay,
Popular Science,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
For beginners, there are four miles of novice trails and three miles of paved trail.—
Taylor Haught,
Miami Herald,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Group of beginners, hobbyists and professionals who enjoy taking and sharing photos.—
Staff Report,
Baltimore Sun,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Weekly gathering of photography enthusiasts for hands-on learning, program speakers, contests, field trips, and sharing of photography expertise.—
Staff Report,
Baltimore Sun,
28 Feb. 2026
-
In addition to his paintings, Rembrandt also created hundreds of etchings (images printed on paper using copper or metal plates and acid), many of which ended up with collectors and enthusiasts like Meyer's grandfather.—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
These hydrocolloid gel bandages seal the blister and provide cushioning against further friction, which will get your kids back in the mood to meet Minnie Mouse super fast.—
Terri Peters,
Parents,
6 Mar. 2026
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For homes with pets and kids, this machine-washable throw is a smart pick; simply lay the blanket flat to dry and shake it out to restore its fluffiness.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Many of these hobbyists are showing off their finds on social media.—
Lois K. Solomon,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Willis said hobbyists explore nuclear science across a wide spectrum, from building small particle accelerators to doing nuclear reactions.—
Miriam Fauzia,
Dallas Morning News,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
None of the skiers killed by the avalanche appear to have been novices.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
28 Feb. 2026
-
For seasoned cooks and kitchen novices, cookbook author and nutritionist Robin Miller takes it back to basics with great, family-friendly recipes worth making over and over again.—
Robin Miller,
AZCentral.com,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Amateurs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amateurs. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.
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