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 financing packages will keep a huge amount of capital tethered to Nvidia, and away from fledgling or established competitors. — Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 10 Aug. 2026 Northern cardinals may flirt over lunch, with a male passing a choice bite to a female, while fledglings flap, gape and beg their parents for a snack. — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026 His vision is of a basketball player who is hungry to lead a fledgling WNBA franchise. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2026 In return, Thao promised to secure lucrative city contracts for a fledgling housing company co-founded by David Duong and Mario Juarez, a two-time City Council candidate and longtime East Bay political operative. — Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 27 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
  • The novice senator is beginning her sixth week on the job, having been appointed to fill her late brother Lindsey Graham's seat two days after his sudden death on July 11.
    — Sophia Vlahakis, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • An aurora photographer who spoke to National Geographic offered tips for novices trying to take photos of the phenomenon, including would-be photographers who only have access to a smartphone camera.
    — Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of novice
Noun
  • Dango Ouattara should retain his role on the right but newcomer Jaidon Anthony could pinch Kevin Schade’s place on the opposite side.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Amziah hands off the honey plant to Kateri as McConaughey, the Oscar-winning movie star, hands off the film to newcomer LookingGlass, in her very first movie role.
    — Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of newcomer
Noun
  • For absolute beginners, Quynh advises trying liquid concealer first.
    — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The workshop offers instruction for various levels, including beginner and intermediate.
    — Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of beginner
Noun
  • During his first two years as a starter, Santori was the apprentice who carefully studied the game and developed organically under the influence of his older peers.
    — Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Twenty years later, John (Pierre) is serving as an apprentice to an older, grouchier Hal.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of apprentice
Noun
  • In May, an 18-year-old freshman reported she was raped and strangled after meeting a man at a fraternity party before returning to her dorm at Tropicana Gardens in Isla Vista.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • But none of that kept Jones from keeping his commitment to Boise State, and his position coach here, first-year man Alvis Whitted, has been impressed by the young freshman.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of freshman
Noun
  • Vikings rookie cornerback Da'Veawn Armstead had a punch thrown at him by the Ravens' Keyon Martin after the two got tangled up in one-on-one drills.
    — Ren Clayton, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Domestically, the group dominated the awards circuit during their rookie year – earning the Next Generation Award at the 2026 Golden Disc Awards.
    — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 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 20 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on fledgling

Nglish: Translation of fledgling for Spanish Speakers

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