fledgling

noun

ˈflej-liŋ How to pronounce fledgling (audio)
Definition of fledglingnext
as in novice
a person who is just starting out in a field of activity at hockey he's still a fledgling and needs to work on his basic skating skills

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of fledgling The company alleges OpenAI leveraged the insider knowledge of its ex-employees to build up its fledgling hardware division. — Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 15 July 2026 Zao Asian Grill is the latest chain to join the fledgling dining and retail district, which is located at the corner of State Street (Idaho 44) and Edgewood Lane. — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 10 July 2026 There’s a lot of bad crowd work out there, just like there is bad anything else — fledgling or whatever rookie stuff. — Deputy Entertainment, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026 Over the next six decades, Dan Tana’s transformed from a fledgling eatery to a buzzing restaurant to, eventually, an institution. — Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for fledgling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fledgling
  1. novice
  2. newcomer
  3. beginner
  4. apprentice
  5. freshman
  6. rookie
Noun
  • Knowledgeable bartenders guide novices and obsessives alike, making an overwhelming list feel approachable rather than intimidating.
    — USA TODAY NETWORK, USA Today, 29 July 2026
  • With tastings, master classes, wine-and-food pairing seminars, conversations, concerts, and in several cases, auctions, wine festivals offer something for everyone from novice to expert.
    — Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 23 July 2026
Definition of novice
Noun
  • Incomplete back-shoulder slot fade to newcomer Jalen Reagor, who slowed down a bit either.
    — Tyler M. Carmona, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
  • Scorsese’s lawyers countersued, argued that Afram was a newcomer to the industry with unrealistic expectations.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 30 July 2026
Definition of newcomer
Noun
  • For anyone easing in, resources such as Massachusetts General Hospital and EatingWell offer meal plans and beginner recipes.
    — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
  • For anyone new to the plan, Massachusetts General Hospital and EatingWell publish sample meal plans and beginner recipes.
    — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026
Definition of beginner
Noun
  • First introduced in The Clone Wars, Anakin Skywalker’s Jedi apprentice finally made her live-action debut in season 2 of The Mandalorian, with Rosario Dawson assuming the role with cool confidence.
    — Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 26 July 2026
  • With a twist of his hand, Hiddleston takes the audience back in time to meet Avianius, a teenage bronzesmith apprentice, Julia Felix, a bathhouse owner, and an unnamed Praetorian guard.
    — Addie Morfoot, Variety, 22 July 2026
Definition of apprentice
Noun
  • For high school freshmen, that number was even lower, at just 38% meeting grade level on the English I STAAR exam.
    — Samuel O’Neal July 31, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
  • During the group panel discussion, Alexander was asked about Georgia coach Kirby Smart and his son Andrew, who is a rising freshman quarterback for the Spartans.
    — Hunter DeLauder, AJC.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of freshman
Noun
  • Chris Brazzell, the rookie the Panthers were counting on to be an occasional player and deep-ball threat for Young, was carted off Wednesday with a knee injury.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
  • Later, Royals rookie duo Carter Jensen and Jac Caglianone added RBI hits.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
Definition of rookie

Browse Nearby Words

fled
fledgling
fledglings
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Cite this Entry

“Fledgling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fledgling. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on fledgling

Nglish: Translation of fledgling for Spanish Speakers

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