as in novices
a person who is just starting out in a field of activity
our senator is just a freshman in Congress
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of freshmen
The first 30 minutes had the disjointed, stop-start look of two freshmen quarterbacks facing off, struggling to find their respective rhythms early.
—
Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 8 Nov. 2025
Touchdown Hurricanes Miami somehow orchestrated a 9-yard touchdown drive that heavily involved the team’s true freshmen.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 8 Nov. 2025
Few freshmen in the country are playing in all situations like Josephson.
—Brad Elliott Schlossman, Twin Cities, 7 Nov. 2025
That included freshmen Elzie Harrington and Tae Simmons, who, needless to say, did not look like freshmen.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Nov. 2025
The two women lived together on Capitol Hill while serving as freshmen members of Congress after winning their respective elections in 2018, according to CNN.
—Greta Bjornson, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025
To replenish its roster, Auburn added numerous newcomers through the portal and recruiting, including transfers such as Keyshawn Hall and Keshawn Murphy, as well as freshmen like Kaden Magwood.
—Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
That framework, the NCAA has insisted, ensures roster spots turn over to incoming freshmen or transfers, and helps to distinguish college sports from pro sports.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 24 Oct. 2025
Amid the woes of Badger football, here are six promising true freshmen players to watch, including Cairo Skanes.
—Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 8 Nov. 2025
Touchdown Hurricanes Miami somehow orchestrated a 9-yard touchdown drive that heavily involved the team’s true freshmen.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 8 Nov. 2025
Few freshmen in the country are playing in all situations like Josephson.
—Brad Elliott Schlossman, Twin Cities, 7 Nov. 2025
That included freshmen Elzie Harrington and Tae Simmons, who, needless to say, did not look like freshmen.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Nov. 2025
The two women lived together on Capitol Hill while serving as freshmen members of Congress after winning their respective elections in 2018, according to CNN.
—Greta Bjornson, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025
To replenish its roster, Auburn added numerous newcomers through the portal and recruiting, including transfers such as Keyshawn Hall and Keshawn Murphy, as well as freshmen like Kaden Magwood.
—Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
That framework, the NCAA has insisted, ensures roster spots turn over to incoming freshmen or transfers, and helps to distinguish college sports from pro sports.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 24 Oct. 2025
Amid the woes of Badger football, here are six promising true freshmen players to watch, including Cairo Skanes.
—Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for freshmen
Noun
-
Most of the 31 playoff novices — accounting for roughly 58% of the 53-man roster — were along for the entire ride and played key roles in helping to get Carolina to the postseason.—
Mike Kaye
January 6,
Charlotte Observer,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Canon offers a wide range of DSLR cameras for novices and professionals alike.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
30 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Several Icons work alongside newcomers, assisting with citizenship applications and teaching music and language classes that preserve their community's cultural heritage.—
Sharon Chin,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The participants include many of the club’s top prospects, along with several newcomers who have joined the Red Sox organization this offseason.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
For beginners, a version using two light dumbbells is a good introduction.—
Gretchen Reynolds,
Washington Post,
7 Jan. 2026
-
There are even lessons for beginners who may want to start a new hobby over the winter.—
The Denver Post,
Denver Post,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Therefore, McDaniel has to take some responsibility for this roster’s poor construction, and most importantly, slow talent development, which didn’t just start in 2025 with the struggles of this year’s rookies.—
Omar Kelly
November 7,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Even with 14 rookies on this year’s team, many of whom are playing significant roles?—
Zac Jackson,
New York Times,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
And many of those apprentices — in skilled trades, electricians, laborers, carpenters — are already at work strengthening and building the physical foundations of our state.—
Sacramento Bee staff,
Sacbee.com,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The apprentices shopped for and wrapped hundreds of presents for the students.—
Melinda Moore,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The Department of Transportation, under multiple administrations, has attempted to address the shortage but has struggled to attract sufficient numbers of recruits to the air traffic control organization.—
David Ferrara,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Courteney’s first order of business is picking up other recruits, none of whom are much more fleshed out than Madonna.—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Freshmen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/freshmen. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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