Synonyms of amateurs

amateurs

noun

plural of amateur

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

• tinkerers
• enthusiasts
• hobbyists
• potterers
• laymen
• nonprofessionals
• dabblers
• fans
• nonexperts
• dilettantes
• putterers
• devotees
• generalists
• buffs
• aficionados
• jacks-of-all-trades
• all-rounders
• general practitioners

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• professionals
• experts
• authorities
• specialists
• pros

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

• beginners
• kids
• novices
• triflers
• newcomers
• hackers
• freshmen
• hacks
• rookies
• learners
• tyros
• inexperts
• greenhorns
• jacklegs
• neophytes
• tenderfeet

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• experts
• craftsmen
• hands
• masters
• adepts
• sharks
• sharps
• aces
• past masters
• virtuosos
• veterans
• wizards
• maestros
• crackerjacks
• vets
• old-timers
• old hands
• whizzes

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of amateurs

Contrary to perceptions, nonprofit workers aren’t well-meaning amateurs waiting for tech to save the day, but savvy operators with deep community knowledge and relationships that can’t simply be replicated. — Max Simkoff, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026

The interior minister said that the operation did not appear to be the work of amateurs but rather had been professionally planned and executed. — Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026

Trump’s two main envoys to Moscow, his friend Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, were amateurs in international diplomacy and proved unable to start a proper negotiating process. — Alexander Gabuev, Foreign Affairs, 31 July 2026

In the paper, the authors encourage anyone able to observe the impact to give it a try—and point to guides to help amateurs. — Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 20 July 2026

Boxing against sports legend In the VFW article, Hooper is also remembered as a then 20-year-old Marine, who had established himself as one of the top young boxing amateurs in the country with a winning record across several weight classes. — Corey Davis, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 17 July 2026

Thinking otherwise is the mistake of amateurs and dilettantes. — Padgett Powell, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026

The current entry system for amateurs, which includes not only high schoolers but also international players who sign at 16, is hardly a model of economic efficiency. — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 24 June 2026

The Montauk surfing scene took off in the 1960s, when pros and amateurs descended on the area for what are said to be the best waves on the East Coast and became part of the landscape. — Mike Albo, Curbed, 23 June 2026