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
Musk, who owns X, wants to promote the belief that the truth can be found on social media, and that the practitioners of real journalism are allegedly independent amateurs, such as Shirley, who can ask questions without being cowed by the woke agenda.
—
Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2026
One in five lives in the Lone Star State, according to the country’s governing body for amateurs, USA Boxing.
—Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American Statesman, 28 Dec. 2025
Costly athletic hobbies Wealthy amateurs are spending big money to compete in endurance events around the world.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 18 Dec. 2025
There are cheerful barging amateurs, happy to be bounced about, and there are prowling malevolences, waiting for the moment to blindside someone or chuck an elbow in their face.
—James Parker, The Atlantic, 16 Dec. 2025
Houseplant amateurs will also appreciate this plant mister, which should remind them to water their plants.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Dec. 2025
This is the dream gift for all sorts of chefs, bakers, professionals, and amateurs.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 1 Dec. 2025
It's aimed firmly at pro-level photographers and top-tier amateurs who demand the best.
—Chris McMullen, Space.com, 24 Nov. 2025
Notable amateurs elected to Congress include Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Lauren Boebert and Marjorie Taylor-Greene.
—Jeff Harden, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2025
Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2026
One in five lives in the Lone Star State, according to the country’s governing body for amateurs, USA Boxing.
—Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American Statesman, 28 Dec. 2025
Costly athletic hobbies Wealthy amateurs are spending big money to compete in endurance events around the world.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 18 Dec. 2025
There are cheerful barging amateurs, happy to be bounced about, and there are prowling malevolences, waiting for the moment to blindside someone or chuck an elbow in their face.
—James Parker, The Atlantic, 16 Dec. 2025
Houseplant amateurs will also appreciate this plant mister, which should remind them to water their plants.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Dec. 2025
This is the dream gift for all sorts of chefs, bakers, professionals, and amateurs.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 1 Dec. 2025
It's aimed firmly at pro-level photographers and top-tier amateurs who demand the best.
—Chris McMullen, Space.com, 24 Nov. 2025
Notable amateurs elected to Congress include Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Lauren Boebert and Marjorie Taylor-Greene.
—Jeff Harden, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amateurs
Noun
-
Micron’s Crucial brand sold memory on sticks that tinkerers could use to build their own PCs or upgrade their laptops.—
Kif Leswing,
CNBC,
3 Dec. 2025
-
The Ringbrothers Kingpin was unveiled at the Specialty Equipment Market Association show (SEMA) in Las Vegas, which is a haven for aftermarket wizards, tuners, and auto tinkerers of all stripes.—
Erik Shilling,
Robb Report,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
For beginners, a version using two light dumbbells is a good introduction.—
Gretchen Reynolds,
Washington Post,
7 Jan. 2026
-
There are even lessons for beginners who may want to start a new hobby over the winter.—
The Denver Post,
Denver Post,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Located in Uptown Charlotte, the attraction appeals to racing enthusiasts and casual visitors alike, offering interactive experiences that bring the sport’s rich history to life.—
Bill Bootz,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Pickleball enthusiasts expressed excitement that indoor courts would be opening but opponents worried other community events that were once held at the site would be forced out like arts and crafts show, roller derby, the Rosie the Riveter festival and Fourth of July celebrations.—
Sierra Lopez,
Mercury News,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
In May 2025, Chris shared a photo of Mel with their three kids in celebration of Mother’s Day.—
Ariana Quihuiz,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
-
That was a big benefit for Chef Johan Jensen, co-owner of Whitecrest Eatery in Stonington Borough, Connecticut, who, after initially experimenting with it from a culinary perspective, was attracted to beef tallow to cook cleaner for his kids.—
Bridget Shirvell,
Martha Stewart,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The call for proposals is open to both professional artists and hobbyists living in Cass, Clay, Douglas, Jackson, Johnson, Leavenworth, Miami, Platte and Wyandotte counties.—
Beth Lipoff,
Kansas City Star,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Although top-end equipment will certainly work better than your AirPods, the Apple earbuds should be good enough for most casual users and hobbyists.—
David Nield,
Popular Science,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Three-time Olympian Frank Masley designed the facility to be one of the few in the country where novices can try the sport.—
Ginger Crichton,
Midwest Living,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Participants can sign up for individual classes or tracks for children 6 to 9 years old, adult novices, intermediate and advanced students, preprofessionals and professionals.—
Manuel Mendoza,
Dallas Morning News,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Amateurs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amateurs. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
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