FRESHMEN Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

freshmen

noun

plural of freshman

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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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 freshmen Many top high school recruits these days commit to schools expecting to start as true freshmen and hit the league in three years. — Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026 The complaint alleges freshmen endured forced genital shaving, excessive drinking and being made to eat live fish as part of team initiation. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Sep. 2026 But two freshmen in Somourian Wingo and Vance Spafford hauled in their first touchdowns at the collegiate level. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2026 Gianna Romano and Ian Dannenfelser are incoming freshmen at Penn State, both awarded scholarships from the Barasch and McGarry Charitable Foundation. — Dick Brennan, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026 While total enrollment is down slightly from 2025, the university continues to welcome a large number of freshmen. — Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 10 Sep. 2026 To freshmen from then to now, whitewashing the rock(s) before the season has tended to create a sense of belonging and ownership. — Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026 Quarterback Malik Washington was the starter last year and showed a lot of ability, becoming one of only two Big Ten true freshmen since 1996 to throw for more than 2,500 yards and run for more than 300. — Noah Trister, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 In the next few weeks, hundreds of thousands of freshmen, many of them arriving without any family history of college at all, will decide whether to walk into a fraternity event or skip it. — Todd Buchanan, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for freshmen

Noun

Since achieving widespread fame in 2013, Rettig has overseen gatherings that have introduced thousands of novices to toad smoking.

— The Week US, TheWeek, 2 Sep. 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 novices

Noun

The film follows a French class on a school trip to Pompeii and features almost all newcomers in the ensemble.

— David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 2026
There will also be high-profile newcomers on the small screen, though TV’s bigger focus will be on maximizing the impact of returning faves and minimizing the erosion of linear ratings.

— Josef Adalian, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of newcomers

Noun

On sale for less than $100 right now, this Abu Garcia combo combines lightweight graphite with an intense grip to offer a rod and reel that works well for beginners and advanced casters alike.

— Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
This pair is a smart choice for walk-to-run beginners who are looking for a budget-friendly shoe that withstands serious mileage.

— Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of beginners

Noun

Last season, Fears was one of the rare rookies who managed to play his best basketball during the latter stages of the year.

— Victor Wembanyama, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
The best part of the fall is almost here, bringing in rookies, underdogs, defending Super Bowl champs and even a few furry teammates to the big screens.

— Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of rookies

Noun

Thomas is training director for Local 395’s apprenticeship program, which has 80 apprentices this year.

— Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 7 Sep. 2026
Rolle emphasized that apprentices in MDC’s programs don’t have to pay for the costs of classes or equipment thanks to state and federal grants.

— Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of apprentices

Noun

If Bryce Underwood continues his poor play, will this calm down the big spending on incoming high school recruits?

— Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
The union says Hialeah firefighters remain underpaid compared with firefighters in neighboring departments and has pointed to significant attrition among recruits.

— Veronica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of recruits

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“Freshmen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/freshmen. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of freshmen

noun

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