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 And how much of a team’s ranking is based on program history versus the number of returning starters — or perhaps the impact of portal recruits and/or true freshmen? — Mike Griffith, AJC.com, 22 Aug. 2026 Had these players returned to campus, some, the NCAA noted, might have taken roster spots or at least playing time from freshmen and incoming transfers who are younger, less experienced and, in some cases, not as physically developed. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 21 Aug. 2026 The Buckeyes were 45th nationally in percentage of runs of at least 12 yards last year, per TruMedia, which isn’t bad considering the lead backs were freshmen. — Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 Metea Valley The Mustangs (6-14-2) had four freshmen in the starting lineup by the end of last season and will be young again. — Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026 University leaders described freshmen as being on a journey of self-discovery. — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026 Some may ultimately find they don’t have much choice, especially since incoming freshmen can register for classes as soon as this week. — Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 19 Aug. 2026 Cam Pruitt, Kamal Bonner, Kellen Wiley and three freshmen are competing to back up Mo Toure and Chase Smith at linebacker. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026 First-semester freshmen will be spared the stress of final letter grades. — George F. Will, Washington Post, 14 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for freshmen

Noun

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
The music industry has been wrestling with the pros and cons of the new technology that allows musical novices to create professional-sounding songs in seconds.

— Bloomberg, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of novices

Noun

That level of integration not only simplifies the workflow for beginners but also creates a more efficient and consistent experience for professionals who regularly produce parts.

— Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026
Our group is so welcoming, and there are always more seasoned players willing to teach and play with beginners, like me.

— Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of beginners

Noun

Going way down the depth chart at defensive tackle, there appears to be an interesting battle between a pair of undrafted rookies.

— Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 20 Aug. 2026
While Whisenhunt had another clunker, fellow rookies Bryce Eldridge and Trent Harris had impressive nights.

— Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of rookies

Noun

With the money, the museum is able to sustain, among other things, an internship program for teaching apprentices and a speaker series.

— News Desk, Artforum, 11 Aug. 2026
City Colleges recently launched Chicago Moonshot, an apprenticeship initiative associated with the Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park, where the district has committed to graduating hundreds of IT apprentices over the next five years.

— Shalin Jyotishi, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of apprentices

Noun

Eli Zamorano, Sierra Canyon, linebacker, sophomore Zamorano is a rising sophomore who is considered among the top recruits in the 2029 class.

— Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 19 Aug. 2026
The 2008 financial crisis, the deepest economic downturn since the Great Depression, saw the Army enlist about 80,500 active-duty recruits.

— Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of recruits

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“Freshmen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/freshmen. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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