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 Alice Sebold, who had earlier that day just completed her freshman year at Syracuse University, was brutally raped while walking home through a park. — ProPublica, 14 July 2026 Simi Valley junior Micah Hannah is a 6-foot-2 cornerback starting since freshman season. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026 The pair first met in their freshman-year biology class and became close after going on a ski trip together. — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 13 July 2026 Fresh off the heels of graduation from high school, many rising freshmen are choosing to step off of the treadmill for a year before matriculating in college. — Dj Didonna, Time, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for freshman
Recent Examples of Synonyms for freshman
  1. novice
  2. rookie
  3. newcomer
  4. beginner
  5. apprentice
Noun
  • Haaland has become a social media phenomenon, with his own posts and memes from others turning even soccer novices into diehard fans.
    — Kaitlyn Huamani, Fortune, 13 July 2026
  • The last death at San Fermin's bull runs occurred in 2009, but gorings and broken bones are common, partly due to the large number of novice bull runners and foreign tourists who join the experienced locals.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 July 2026
Definition of novice
Noun
  • Mims is heading into the final year of his rookie deal, while Franklin has this season and 2027 before free agency.
    — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 15 July 2026
  • The Warriors rookie responded with 15 points, nine rebounds, three assists and a number of bone-crunching collisions with his fellow 250-pounder.
    — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 15 July 2026
Definition of rookie
Noun
  • The difference between those projects and the 27 data centers that already exist or are being built in Miami-Dade (including three newcomers that have drawn controversy) is the size.
    — Alexandra Phelps, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026
  • Significantly, High Plains offered alternatives to more expensive, two-drink-minimum club shows that might scare off casual comedy fans and newcomers to stand-up.
    — John Wenzel, Denver Post, 16 July 2026
Definition of newcomer
Noun
  • This fun, beginner-friendly class teaches the fundamentals of Texas Hold’em, giving you the confidence to join a friendly game.
    — Kris Slugg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2026
  • The app is especially well suited for beginners, busy professionals and anyone who feels overwhelmed by more complex budgeting systems.
    — Catherine Collins, USA Today, 10 July 2026
Definition of beginner
Noun
  • Across all trades Pennsylvania infamously requires four journeymen per apprentice, as do Maryland and New Jersey.
    — Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Guests will hear the shuffle of San Francisco outside the windows, phones ringing, and the lingering voices of apprentices or other clients.
    — Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 26 June 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 19 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of freshman for Spanish Speakers

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