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
College-age amateurs competing alongside former champions old enough to be their grandfathers is a longstanding Masters tradition.
—
Jack Leo, AJC.com, 4 Apr. 2026
The Global Meteor Network, an international array of cameras pointed at the night sky 24/7, is overseen by a dedicated group of scientists and amateurs.
—Jamie Carter, Space.com, 27 Mar. 2026
Research shows many runners already under-consume carbs, with amateurs—who often lack sports‑nutrition guidance—being especially prone to inadequate intake.
—Outside, 24 Mar. 2026
And in fact, in the 19th century, scientists that did science out of the pure love of doing science and not as a job were amateurs.
—Mariel Carr, Scientific American, 20 Mar. 2026
Open events for amateurs run all three days this weekend, allowing people of all skillsets to join.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 20 Mar. 2026
This humble dry cleaner, a de jure Chicago landmark, has been photographed by professionals and amateurs alike; has appeared in books, films and music videos; and has become a keystone in conversations about the significance of Chicago’s South Side to this city’s architectural heritage.
—Elizabeth Blasius, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
The last of the amateurs, as Prager tells me decades later, wanted to make the world a better place.
—Jack Crosbie, Rolling Stone, 17 Mar. 2026
The pros and amateurs will swing away, but the hay has been in the barn for a long time.
—Brody Miller, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026
Jack Leo, AJC.com, 4 Apr. 2026
The Global Meteor Network, an international array of cameras pointed at the night sky 24/7, is overseen by a dedicated group of scientists and amateurs.
—Jamie Carter, Space.com, 27 Mar. 2026
Research shows many runners already under-consume carbs, with amateurs—who often lack sports‑nutrition guidance—being especially prone to inadequate intake.
—Outside, 24 Mar. 2026
And in fact, in the 19th century, scientists that did science out of the pure love of doing science and not as a job were amateurs.
—Mariel Carr, Scientific American, 20 Mar. 2026
Open events for amateurs run all three days this weekend, allowing people of all skillsets to join.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 20 Mar. 2026
This humble dry cleaner, a de jure Chicago landmark, has been photographed by professionals and amateurs alike; has appeared in books, films and music videos; and has become a keystone in conversations about the significance of Chicago’s South Side to this city’s architectural heritage.
—Elizabeth Blasius, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
The last of the amateurs, as Prager tells me decades later, wanted to make the world a better place.
—Jack Crosbie, Rolling Stone, 17 Mar. 2026
The pros and amateurs will swing away, but the hay has been in the barn for a long time.
—Brody Miller, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amateurs
Noun
-
The Mac mini has become a status symbol among AI tinkerers, and some analysts say the device’s growing popularity may preface a broader shift in how people use computers.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
10 Apr. 2026
-
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
Noun
-
Dermatologists say beginners need far fewer products than social media suggests — and the right basics can deliver real results.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Apr. 2026
-
This advanced beginners class is for players with some knowledge of the game who are working on hitting the ball consistently.—
Mike Danahey,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The actions have rankled some MAHA enthusiasts who counted on the administration to tackle chronic disease, especially among children.—
Stephanie Armour,
CBS News,
13 Apr. 2026
-
The annual affair, which draws Jeep owners and enthusiasts from around the globe, has become a crucial testing ground for the brand.—
Morgan Korn,
ABC News,
12 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The team's six seniors took the stage in front of a mix of adults and young kids.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Once their kids were in school, moms seemed to be allowed a gradual ascent back into the warmth and light of personhood.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The county changed its stance with new regulations in December that allowed ultralight access within certain guidelines, which pilots have claimed are overly-restrictive and cost-prohibitive for hobbyists who fly the relatively inexpensive aircraft.—
Jake Goodrick,
Sacbee.com,
4 Apr. 2026
-
For gardeners, hobbyists and anyone interested in growing their own food, these advantages add up quickly.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In contrast, a study led by Active Site, a research nonprofit that studies the use of AI in synthetic biology, found that AI help did not lead to significant differences in the ability of novices to complete the complex workflow to produce a virus in a biosafety laboratory.—
Stephen D. Turner,
The Conversation,
9 Apr. 2026
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The beginners class is for novices 18 and older who want instruction and practice combined with play, according to the Dundee Township Park District website.—
Mike Danahey,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Amateurs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amateurs. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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