freshman

noun

ˈfresh-mən How to pronounce freshman (audio)
Definition of freshmannext
as in novice
a person who is just starting out in a field of activity our senator is just a freshman in Congress

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 freshman One of the main reasons for those hopes and one of the most important pieces that is back at Cal is sophomore quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, who is looking to build on his successful freshman campaign. — CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026 Beyond Lofton, the Hurricanes have two blue-chip freshmen, Israel Briggs and Gavin Mueller, who joined the team in the spring. — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026 Parks has been good in just about every setting — one-on-ones, 7-on-7 and even in team periods where he’s been matched up with receivers like senior Jordan Dwyer or redshirt freshman Terry Shelton. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Aug. 2026 Naperville resident Raney Michel is one of two incoming freshmen to be awarded a full four-year tuition scholarship to attend at Morgan Park Academy for Academic Excellence in Chicago. — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for freshman
Recent Examples of Synonyms for freshman
  1. novice
  2. rookie
  3. newcomer
  4. beginner
  5. apprentice
Noun
  • The best rock tumbler for beginners is one that comes as a complete kit, including the rocks, so the novice has the best chance of being successful on the first try.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • While El-Sayed was ahead in many polls over Stevens, including a recent survey conducted by Emerson College, the Democratic novice is trailing in some polling against Rogers, which the GOP nominee sees as advantageous.
    — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of novice
Noun
  • New York Mets rookie Jefry Yan jumped high in the air with his feet spread apart, landed on the front of the mound and then slapped the grass with his left hand while briefly going to a knee.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The rookie right-hander allowed three hits and one run with four strikeouts and a walk.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of rookie
Noun
  • Tyler Kinley, Víctor Mederos, Danny Young, Dylan Lee and newcomer Brent Suter, respectively, combined to pitch the final six innings as the Braves ran their winning streak to eight straight and nine in a row at home.
    — Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • As share prices have soared, newcomers like Ke are pouring in.
    — Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of newcomer
Noun
  • The activity's simplicity means beginners can start light and progress gradually, even using household items for weight.
    — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The property is just a five-minute walk from the Côte des Basques beach (one of the best beginner-friendly surf beaches in the city), and close to the restaurants and bars of the Beaurivage neighborhood (known locally as ‘Bibi’).
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 31 July 2026
Definition of beginner
Noun
  • Jagetz described tattooing as a profession that remains heavily male dominated, where apprentices are frequently expected to tolerate inappropriate behavior because obtaining a license often depends on the person training them.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Pennsylvania touts nearly 150 pre-apprenticeship programs serving 3,200 pre-apprentices.
    — Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of apprentice

Browse Nearby Words

freshly
freshman
freshmen
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Cite this Entry

“Freshman.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/freshman. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of freshman for Spanish Speakers

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